Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device includes: a plurality of pixel electrodes each of which is provided in each of a plurality of sub-pixels arranged in a display region; a driving electrode provided so as to overlap the plurality of pixel electrodes when seen in a plan view; a plurality of detecting electrodes provided so as to overlap the driving electrode when seen in a plan view; and a dummy electrode provided apart from the detecting electrodes. The detecting electrodes and the dummy electrode include a metal layer or an alloy layer. A ratio of total sum of areas of portions of the plurality sub-pixels which overlap any of the detecting electrodes and the dummy electrode when seen in a plan view to total sum of areas of the plurality of sub-pixels is 1 to 22%.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese PatentApplications No. 2014-007229 filed on Jan. 17, 2014 and No. 2014-155705filed on Jul. 31, 2014, the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference into this application.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a display device and an electronicdevice, and particularly relates to a display device and an electronicdevice having an electrostatic capacitive input device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, a technique of attaching an input device referred to asa touch panel or a touch sensor to a display surface side of a displaydevice and detecting and outputting an input position when inputoperations are performed by contacting the touch panel with a finger oran input tool such as a touch pen has been known. Since such displaydevices including a touch panel do not require input devices such as akeyboard, a mouse and a keypad, they are widely used in portableinformation terminals such as mobile phones in addition to computers.

One detecting method for detecting contact positions at which a fingeror the like has contacted the touch panel is the electrostaticcapacitance method. In an electrostatic capacitive touch panel, aplurality of capacitive elements each made up of a pair of electrodesdisposed to be opposed to each other with a dielectric layer interposedtherebetween, that is, a driving electrode and a detecting electrode areprovided in a plane of the touch panel. Then, the input positions aredetected by utilizing the characteristics that the electrostaticcapacitance of capacitive elements changes when performing inputoperations by contacting the capacitive elements with a finger or aninput tool such as a touch pen.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No.2010-197576 (Patent Document 1) describes a touch panel in whichmeasures for making transparent electrode patterns invisible are taken.Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No.2011-059771 (Patent Document 2) describes a mesh-like conductive patternincluding mesh patterns which are at least partially separated and havesuperior invisibility even at discontinuous portions, and a basematerial and a touch panel member having conductor layer patternsincluding the mesh-like conductive pattern.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the display device to which an input device such as a touch panel isattached, it is desirable to reduce electric resistance of the detectingelectrodes for improving the detection performance. Conductive oxideswith translucency with respect to visible light such as ITO (Indium TinOxide) are used in some cases as a material of the detecting electrodesin order to secure transmittance with respect to visible light in adisplay region. However, the electric resistivity of conductive oxidessuch as ITO is larger than the electric resistivity of conductivematerials such as metal or alloy. Accordingly, for reducing the electricresistance of the detecting electrodes, it is desirable to useconductive materials such as metal or alloy.

However, conductive materials such as metal or alloy havelight-shielding properties with respect to visible light. Namely, thetransmittance of conductive materials such as metal or alloy withrespect to visible light is smaller than the transmittance of conductiveoxides with translucency such as ITO or the like with respect to visiblelight. Therefore, when detecting electrodes made of conductive materialssuch as metal or alloy are used as detecting electrodes of an inputdevice such as an input panel, there is the fear that the transmittancewith respect to visible light is degraded in the display region.

The present invention has been made for solving the above-describedproblems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a displaydevice provided with an input device, which is capable of improving thetransmittance with respect to visible light in a display region andimproving the detection performance of the input device.

The following is a brief description of an outline of the typicalinvention disclosed in the present application.

A display device as one aspect of the present invention includes: asubstrate; a plurality of pixels arranged in a first region on a firstmain surface side of the substrate; and a plurality of first electrodeseach of which is provided in each of the plurality of pixels. Also, thedisplay device includes: a second electrode provided so as to overlapthe plurality of first electrodes when seen in a plan view; a pluralityof third electrodes provided at intervals so as to respectively overlapthe second electrode when seen in a plan view; and a fourth electrodeprovided apart from any of the plurality of third electrodes in thefirst region. Images are displayed by applying voltage between each ofthe plurality of first electrodes and the second electrode, and inputpositions are detected based on electrostatic capacitance between thesecond electrode and each of the plurality of third electrodes. Each ofthe plurality of third electrodes includes a first metal layer or afirst alloy layer, and the fourth electrode includes a second metallayer or a second alloy layer. Further, a ratio of total sum of areas ofportions of the plurality of pixels which overlap any of the pluralityof third electrodes and the fourth electrode when seen in a plan view toa total sum of areas of the plurality of pixels is 1 to 22%.

Also, according to another aspect, the plurality of pixels are arrangedin a matrix form in a first direction and a second direction whichintersects the first direction in the first region, each of theplurality of third electrodes has a first conductive line including thefirst metal layer or the first alloy layer, and the first conductiveline extends in a third direction as a whole while alternately bendingin opposite directions when seen in a plan view. At this time, the ratioof total sum of areas of portions of the plurality of pixels whichoverlap any of the plurality of third electrodes and the fourthelectrode when seen in a plan view to total sum of areas of theplurality of pixels is 1 to 11%.

Also, according to another aspect, the plurality of pixels are arrangedin a matrix form in a first direction and a second direction whichintersects the first direction in the first region, and each of theplurality of third electrodes includes a plurality of first conductivelines. Each of the plurality of first conductive lines includes thefirst metal layer or the first alloy layer and extends in a thirddirection as a whole while alternately bending in opposite directionswhen seen in a plan view, and portions of adjacent first conductivelines which are bent in mutually opposite directions are coupled witheach other. At this time, the ratio of total sum of areas of portions ofthe plurality of pixels which overlap any of the plurality of thirdelectrodes and the fourth electrode when seen in a plan view to totalsum of areas of the plurality of pixels is 2 to 22%.

Also, according to another aspect, the plurality of pixels are arrangedin a matrix form in a first direction and a second direction whichintersects the first direction in the first region. Also, each of theplurality of third electrodes includes: a plurality of first conductivelines which extend in a third direction and are arranged in a fourthdirection which intersects the third direction; and a plurality ofsecond conductive lines which respectively extend in a fifth directionwhich intersects both of the third direction and the fourth directionand are arranged in the fourth direction. Further, each of the pluralityof first conductive lines includes the first metal layer or the firstalloy layer, each of the plurality of second conductive lines includes athird metal layer or a third alloy layer, the plurality of firstconductive lines and the plurality of second conductive lines intersecteach other, and each of the plurality of third electrodes has amesh-like shape formed by the plurality of first conductive lines andthe plurality of second conductive lines which intersect each other. Atthis time, the ratio of total sum of areas of portions of the pluralityof pixels which overlap any of the plurality of third electrodes and thefourth electrode when seen in a plan view to total sum of areas of theplurality of pixels is 2 to 22%.

Alternatively, a display device as one aspect of the present inventionincludes: a substrate; a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix formin a first direction and a second direction which intersects the firstdirection in a first region on a first main surface side of thesubstrate; and a plurality of first electrodes each of which is providedin each of the plurality of pixels. Also, the display device includes: asecond electrode provided so as to overlap the plurality of firstelectrodes when seen in a plan view; and a plurality of third electrodesprovided at intervals so as to respectively overlap the second electrodewhen seen in a plan view. Images are displayed by applying voltagebetween each of the plurality of first electrodes and the secondelectrode, and input positions are detected based on electrostaticcapacitance between the second electrode and each of the plurality ofthird electrodes. Each of the plurality of third electrodes has a firstconductive line including a first metal layer or a first alloy layer,and the first conductive line has a portion extending in a thirddirection which intersects both of the first direction and the seconddirection when seen in a plan view. Also, a width of the firstconductive line is 2 to 7 μm.

Also, according to another aspect, the first conductive line extends ina fourth direction as a whole while alternately bending in oppositedirections when seen in a plan view. At this time, a width of the firstconductive line is 2.5 to 4.5 μm.

Also, according to another aspect, each of the plurality of thirdelectrodes includes a plurality of the first conductive lines, each ofthe plurality of first conductive lines extends in a fourth direction asa whole while alternately bending in opposite directions when seen in aplan view, and portions of adjacent first conductive lines which arebent in mutually opposite directions are coupled with each other. Atthis time, a width of each of the plurality of first conductive lines is2.5 to 4.5 μm.

Also, according to another aspect, each of the plurality of thirdelectrodes includes: a plurality of the first conductive lines whichextend in the third direction and are arranged in a fourth directionwhich intersects the third direction; and a plurality of secondconductive lines which extend in a fifth direction which intersects bothof the third direction and the fourth direction and are arranged in thefourth direction. Also, each of the plurality of second conductive linesincludes a second metal layer or a second alloy layer, the plurality offirst conductive lines and the plurality of second conductive linesintersect each other, and each of the plurality of third electrodes hasa mesh-like shape formed by the plurality of first conductive lines andthe plurality of second conductive lines which intersect each other. Atthis time, a width of each of the plurality of first conductive linesand the plurality of second conductive lines is 2.5 to 4.5 μm.

Alternatively, a display device as one aspect of the present inventionincludes: a substrate; a plurality of pixels arranged in a first regionon a first main surface side of the substrate; and a plurality of firstelectrodes each of which is provided in each of the plurality of pixels.Also, the display device includes: a second electrode provided so as tooverlap the plurality of first electrodes when seen in a plan view; anda plurality of third electrodes provided so as to respectively overlapthe second electrode when seen in a plan view. Images are displayed byapplying voltage between each of the plurality of first electrodes andthe second electrode, and input positions are detected based onelectrostatic capacitance between the second electrode and each of theplurality of third electrodes. Each of the plurality of third electrodesincludes a first metal layer or a first alloy layer. Also, a ratio oftotal sum of areas of portions of the plurality of pixels which overlapany of the plurality of third electrodes when seen in a plan view tototal sum of areas of the plurality of pixels is 1 to 22%.

Also, according to another aspect, each of the plurality of thirdelectrodes has light-shielding properties with respect to visible light.Alternatively, the first electrodes are pixel electrodes, the secondelectrode is a common electrode, the third electrodes are detectingelectrodes to which detecting signals for detecting the input positionsare output, and driving signals for measuring the electrostaticcapacitance between the common electrode and the detecting electrodesare input to the common electrode. Alternatively, according to anotheraspect, an arrangement interval of the plurality of pixels in the firstdirection is smaller than an arrangement interval of the plurality ofpixels in the second direction, and the arrangement interval of theplurality of pixels in the first direction is 45 to 180 μm. Also,according to another aspect, an arrangement interval of the plurality ofpixels in the first direction is smaller than an arrangement interval ofthe plurality of pixels in the second direction, the arrangementinterval of the plurality of pixels in the first direction is 45 to 180μm, and an interval of adjacent first conductive lines is 50 to 200 μm.

Also, according to another aspect, a low reflection layer having a lowerreflectance with respect to visible light than a reflectance of thethird electrodes with respect to visible light is formed on a surface ofthe third electrodes or on the third electrodes.

Alternatively, a display device as one aspect of the present inventionincludes: a substrate; a plurality of pixels arranged in a first regionon a first main surface side of the substrate; and a plurality of firstelectrodes each of which is provided in each of the plurality of pixels.Also, the display device includes: a second electrode provided so as tooverlap the plurality of first electrodes when seen in a plan view; aplurality of third electrodes provided at intervals so as torespectively overlap the second electrode when seen in a plan view; anda fourth electrode provided apart from any of the plurality of thirdelectrodes in the first region. Images are displayed by applying voltagebetween each of the plurality of first electrodes and the secondelectrode, and input positions are detected based on electrostaticcapacitance of each of the plurality of third electrodes. Each of theplurality of third electrodes includes a first metal layer or a firstalloy layer, and the fourth electrode includes a second metal layer or asecond alloy layer. Also, a ratio of total sum of areas of portions ofthe plurality of pixels which overlap any of the plurality of thirdelectrodes and the fourth electrode when seen in a plan view to totalsum of areas of the plurality of pixels is 1 to 22%.

Alternatively, a display device as one aspect of the present inventionincludes: a substrate; a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix formin a first direction and a second direction which intersects the firstdirection in a first region on a first main surface side of thesubstrate; and a plurality of first electrodes each of which is providedin each of the plurality of pixels. Also, the display device includes: asecond electrode provided so as to overlap the plurality of firstelectrodes when seen in a plan view; and a plurality of third electrodesprovided at intervals so as to respectively overlap the second electrodewhen seen in a plan view. Images are displayed by applying voltagebetween each of the plurality of first electrodes and the secondelectrode, and input positions are detected based on electrostaticcapacitance of each of the plurality of third electrodes. Each of theplurality of third electrodes has a first conductive line including afirst metal layer or a first alloy layer, and the first conductive linehas a portion extending in a third direction which intersects both ofthe first direction and the second direction when seen in a plan view.Also, a width of the first conductive line is 2 to 7 μm.

Alternatively, a display device as one aspect of the present inventionincludes: a substrate; a plurality of pixels arranged in a first regionon a first main surface side of the substrate; and a plurality of firstelectrodes each of which is provided in each of the plurality of pixels.Also, the display device includes: a second electrode provided so as tooverlap the plurality of first electrodes when seen in a plan view; anda plurality of third electrodes provided so as to respectively overlapthe second electrode when seen in a plan view. Images are displayed byapplying voltage between each of the plurality of first electrodes andthe second electrode, and input positions are detected based onelectrostatic capacitance of each of the plurality of third electrodes.Each of the plurality of third electrodes includes a first metal layeror a first alloy layer. Also, a ratio of total sum of areas of portionsof the plurality of pixels which overlap any of the plurality of thirdelectrodes when seen in a plan view to total sum of areas of theplurality of pixels is 1 to 22%.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one configuration example of a displaydevice according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which no fingercontacts or approaches a touch detection device;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an equivalentcircuit in a state in which no finger contacts or approaches a touchdetection device;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a finger hascontacted or approached the touch detection device;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an equivalentcircuit in a state in which a finger has contacted or approached thetouch detection device;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one example of waveforms of a driving signaland a detecting signal;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing one example of a module having the displaydevice according to the first embodiment mounted therein;

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing one example of a module having the displaydevice according to the first embodiment mounted therein;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a display device with a touchdetection function in the display device according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a display device with a touchdetection function in the display device according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing one configuration example ofdriving electrodes and detecting electrodes of the display deviceaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a relationship betweendisplay periods and touch detection periods;

FIG. 13 is a timing waveform chart showing various signals during thedisplay period;

FIG. 14 is a timing waveform chart showing waveforms of various signalsduring the touch detection period;

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a driving electrode together with a pixelelectrode in the display device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing the driving electrode together withthe pixel electrode in the display device according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 17 is a plan view schematically showing one example of aconfiguration of a detecting electrode in the display device accordingto the first embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a plan view schematically showing one example of aconfiguration of a detecting electrode in the display device accordingto the first embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a plan view schematically showing another example of aconfiguration of a detecting electrode in the display device accordingto the first embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a plan view schematically showing one example of arelationship between positions of the detecting electrodes and positionsof pixels in the display device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a plan view schematically showing another example of arelationship between positions of the detecting electrodes and positionsof pixels in the display device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a plan view schematically showing one example of aconfiguration of a detecting electrode in a display device according toa first modified example of the first embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a plan view schematically showing one example of aconfiguration of a detecting electrode in a display device according tothe first modified example of the first embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a plan view schematically showing another example of aconfiguration of a detecting electrode in a display device according tothe first modified example of the first embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a plan view schematically showing one example of arelationship between positions of detecting electrodes and positions ofpixels in the display device according to the first modified example ofthe first embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a plan view schematically showing another example of arelationship between positions of detecting electrodes and positions ofpixels in the display device according to the first modified example ofthe first embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a plan view schematically showing one example of arelationship between positions of sub-pixels and positions of detectingelectrodes in the display device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a graph showing a relationship between detected values andarea ratios in Table 1;

FIG. 29 is a graph showing a relationship between detected values andarea ratios in Table 2;

FIG. 30 is a graph showing a relationship between line widths ofconductive lines and resistance values of conductive lines;

FIG. 31 is a plan view showing a driving electrode together with a pixelelectrode in a display device according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a sectional view showing a driving electrode together with apixel electrode in the display device according to the secondembodiment;

FIG. 33 is a sectional view showing a display device with a touchdetection function in a display device according to the thirdembodiment;

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrically connectedstate of detecting electrodes of a self-capacitance method;

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrically connectedstate of detecting electrodes of a self-capacitance method;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of atelevision apparatus as one example of an electronic device according tothe fifth embodiment;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of adigital camera as one example of an electronic device according to thefifth embodiment;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of anotebook PC as one example of an electronic device according to thefifth embodiment;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a videocamera as one example of an electronic device according to the fifthembodiment;

FIG. 40 is a front view showing an external appearance of a mobile phoneas one example of an electronic device according to the fifthembodiment;

FIG. 41 is a front view showing an external appearance of a mobile phoneas one example of an electronic device according to the fifthembodiment; and

FIG. 42 is a front view showing an external appearance of a smartphoneas one example of an electronic device according to the fifthembodiment.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to drawings.

Note that the disclosures are provided by way of example, and anysuitable variations easily conceived by a person with ordinary skill inthe art while pertaining to the gist of the invention are of courseincluded in the scope of the present invention. Further, in thedrawings, widths, thicknesses and shapes of respective components may beschematically illustrated in comparison with the embodiments for thepurpose of making the description more clearly understood, but these aremerely examples, and do not limit the interpretations of the presentinvention.

Further, in the specification and drawings, elements which are similarto those already mentioned with respect to previous drawings are denotedby the same reference characters, and detailed descriptions thereof willbe suitably omitted.

Also, in some drawings used in the following embodiments, hatching issometimes omitted even in a sectional view so as to make the drawingseasy to see. Further, hatching is sometimes used even in a plan view soas to make the drawings easy to see.

Further, in the following embodiments, when a range is defined as A toB, the range indicates “A or more and B or less” unless specifiedotherwise.

First Embodiment

First, an example in which a display device provided with a touch panelas an input device is applied to an in-cell liquid crystal displaydevice with a touch detection function will be described as the firstembodiment. Note that an in-cell liquid crystal display device with atouch detection function indicates a liquid crystal display device witha touch detection function in which at least one of the drivingelectrodes and the detecting electrodes included in the touch panel areincorporated in the liquid crystal display device as the drivingelectrodes for driving liquid crystal of the liquid crystal displaydevice.

<Overall Configuration>

First, the overall configuration of the display device according to thepresent first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1.FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one configuration example of a displaydevice according to the first embodiment.

A display device 1 includes a display device 10 with a touch detectionfunction, a control unit 11, a gate driver 12, a source driver 13, adriving electrode driver 14, and a touch detection unit 40.

The display device 10 with a touch detection function includes a liquidcrystal display device 20 and a touch detection device 30. The liquidcrystal display device 20 is a display device using liquid crystaldisplay elements as display elements. The touch detection device 30 is atouch detection device of electrostatic capacitance method, that is, anelectrostatic capacitive touch detection device. Therefore, the displaydevice 1 is a display device including an input device with a touchdetection function. Further, the display device 10 with a touchdetection function is a display device in which the liquid crystaldisplay device 20 and the touch detection device 30 are integrated, andis a display device incorporating a touch detection function, namely, anin-cell display device with a touch detection function.

Further, as will be described in the third embodiment later, the displaydevice 10 with a touch detection function may be a display device inwhich the touch detection device 30 is attached on the liquid crystaldisplay device 20. Further, it is also possible to use an organic EL(Electroluminescence) display device instead of the liquid crystaldisplay device 20.

As will be described later, the liquid crystal display device 20performs display by sequentially scanning each horizontal line in thedisplay region in accordance with scanning signals Vscan supplied fromthe gate driver 12. The touch detection device 30 operates in accordancewith a principle of electrostatic capacitive touch detection and outputsdetecting signals Vdet as will be described later.

The control unit 11 is a circuit which respectively supplies controlsignals to the gate driver 12, the source driver 13, the drivingelectrode driver 14 and the touch detection unit 40 based on videosignals Vdisp supplied from outside for controlling them so that theyare operated in synchronization with each other.

The gate driver 12 has a function of sequentially selecting onehorizontal line, which is an object of display driving of the displaydevice 10 with a touch detection function, based on control signalssupplied from the control unit 11.

The source driver 13 is a circuit which supplies pixel signals Vpix tosub-pixels SPix included in the display device 10 with a touch detectionfunction (see FIG. 10 to be described later) based on control signals ofimage signals Vsig supplied from the control unit 11.

The driving electrode driver 14 is a circuit which supplies drivingsignals Vcom to driving electrodes COML included in the display device10 with a touch detection function (see FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 to be describedlater) based on control signals supplied from the control unit 11.

The touch detection unit 40 is a circuit which detects presence/absenceof touches of a finger or an input tool such as a touch pen to the touchdetection device 30, namely, a state of contact or approach to bedescribed later based on control signals supplied from the control unit11 and detecting signals Vdet supplied from the touch detection device30 of the display device 10 with a touch detection function. Also, thetouch detection unit 40 is a circuit which obtains coordinates oftouches, namely input positions in the touch detection region in thecase where the touches are present. The touch detection unit 40 includesa touch detecting signal amplifying unit 42, an A/D (Analog/Digital)converting unit 43, a signal processing unit 44, a coordinate extractingunit 45 and a detection timing control unit 46.

The touch detecting signal amplifying unit 42 amplifies detectingsignals Vdet supplied from the touch detection device 30. The touchdetecting signal amplifying unit 42 may be provided with a low passanalog filter which removes high frequency components, namely, noisecomponents included in the detecting signals Vdet and extracts andrespectively outputs touch components.

<Principle of Electrostatic Capacitive Touch Detection>

Next, the principle of touch detection in the display device 1 accordingto the present first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.1 to FIG. 6. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in whichno finger contacts or approaches a touch detection device. FIG. 3 is anexplanatory diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit in astate in which no finger contacts or approaches the touch detectiondevice. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which afinger has contacted or approached the touch detection device. FIG. 5 isan explanatory diagram showing an example of an equivalent circuit in astate in which a finger has contacted or approached the touch detectiondevice. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one example of waveforms of adriving signal and a detecting signal.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the electrostatic capacitive touch detection, aninput device referred to as a touch panel or a touch sensor includes adriving electrode E1 and a detecting electrode E2 which are disposed tobe opposed to each other with a dielectric body D interposedtherebetween. A capacitive element C1 is formed by the driving electrodeE1 and the detecting electrode E2. As shown in FIG. 3, one end of thecapacitive element C1 is connected with an AC signal source S which is adriving signal source, and the other end of the capacitive elements C1is connected with a voltage detector DET which is the touch detectionunit. The voltage detector DET is, for example, an integrating circuitincluded in the touch detecting signal amplifying unit 42 shown in FIG.1.

When an AC rectangular wave Sg having a frequency in the range of, forexample, several kHz to several hundreds kHz is applied from the ACsignal source S to the one end of the capacitive element C1, namely, thedriving electrode E1, a detecting signal Vdet which is an outputwaveform is generated via the voltage detector DET connected to theother end of the capacitive element C1, namely, the detecting electrodesE2 side. Note that the AC rectangular wave Sg corresponds to, forexample, the driving signal Vcom shown in FIG. 6.

In the state in which no finger contacts or approaches, namely, in thenon-contact state shown in FIG. 2, current I₀ corresponding to thecapacitance value of the capacitive element C1 flows in accordance withcharge and discharge of the capacitive element C1 as shown in FIG. 3.The voltage detector DET converts the fluctuation in the current I₀ inaccordance with the AC rectangular wave Sg into the fluctuation involtage. The voltage fluctuation is represented as the waveform V₀indicated by a solid line in FIG. 6.

On the other hand, in a state in which a finger contacts or approaches,namely, in the contact state shown in FIG. 4, the capacitive elementformed of the driving electrode E1 and the detecting electrode E2 isaffected by the electrostatic capacitance C2 formed by the finger andacts as a capacitive element C1′ having a capacitance value smaller thanthe capacitance value of the capacitive element C1. When viewed in theequivalent circuit shown in FIG. 5, current I₁ flows through thecapacitive element C1′. The voltage detector DET converts thefluctuation in the current I₁ in accordance with the AC rectangular waveSg into the fluctuation in voltage. This voltage fluctuation isrepresented as the waveform V₁ indicated by a broken line in FIG. 6. Inthis case, the amplitude of the waveform V₁ is smaller than that of theabove-described waveform V₀. Accordingly, the absolute value |ΔV| of thevoltage difference between the waveform V₀ and waveform V₁ varies inaccordance with influences of an object such as a finger whichapproaches from outside. Note that, in order to accurately detect theabsolute value |ΔV| of the voltage difference between the waveform V₀and the waveform V₁, it is preferable that a period Reset during whichcharge and discharge of the capacitor are reset in accordance with afrequency of the AC rectangular wave Sg by the switching in the circuitis provided in the operation of the voltage detector DET.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the touch detection device 30 performstouch detection for each detection block corresponding to one or aplurality of driving electrodes COML in accordance with the drivingsignal Vcom supplied from the driving electrode driver 14. Morespecifically, the touch detection device 30 outputs the detecting signalVdet via the voltage detector DET shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5 for eachdetection block corresponding to each of the one or a plurality ofdriving electrodes COML, and supplies the output detecting signal Vdetto the A/D converting unit 43 of the touch detection unit 40.

The A/D converting unit 43 is a circuit which samples each analog signaloutput from the touch detecting signal amplifying unit 42 at a timing insynchronization with the driving signal Vcom, thereby converting it intoa digital signal.

The signal processing unit 44 is provided with a digital filter whichreduces frequency components other than the frequency at which thedriving signal Vcom is sampled, namely, noise components included in theoutput signal of the A/D converting unit 43. The signal processing unit44 is a logic circuit which detects presence/absence of touches to thetouch detection device 30 based on the output signal of the A/Dconverting unit 43. The signal processing unit 44 performs the processof extracting only differential voltage caused by the finger. Thedifferential voltage caused by the finger is the absolute value |ΔV| ofthe difference between the waveform V₀ and waveform V₁ mentioned above.It is also possible that the signal processing unit 44 performscalculations of averaging absolute values |ΔV| per each detection blockto obtain the average value of the absolute values |ΔV|. By this means,the signal processing unit 44 can reduce the influences of noise. Thesignal processing unit 44 compares the detected differential voltagecaused by the finger with a predetermined threshold voltage, and whenthe voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold voltage, it isdetermined to be the contact state of an externally approaching objectwhich approaches from outside, and when the voltage is lower than thethreshold voltage, it is determined to be the non-contact state of anexternally approaching object. In this manner, touch detection isperformed by the touch detection unit 40.

The coordinate extracting unit 45 is a logic circuit which obtains thecoordinates of the position at which the touch has been detected by thesignal processing unit 44, namely, the input position on the touchpanel. The detection timing control unit 46 controls the A/D convertingunit 43, the signal processing unit 44 and the coordinate extractingunit 45 so that they are operated in synchronization with each other.The coordinate extracting unit 45 outputs the touch panel coordinates asa signal output Vout.

<Module>

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are plan views showing one example of a module havingthe display device according to the first embodiment mounted therein. Inthe example shown in FIG. 7, the above-described driving electrodedriver 14 is formed on a TFT substrate 21.

As shown in FIG. 7, the display device 1 includes the display device 10with a touch detection function, the driving electrode driver 14, a COG(chip on glass) 19A and the TFT substrate 21.

The display device 10 with a touch detection function includes aplurality of driving electrodes COML and a plurality of detectingelectrodes TDL. Here, two directions which mutually intersect,preferably orthogonally, with each other within a front surface servingas a main surface of the TFT substrate 21 are defined to be an X axisdirection and a Y axis direction. At this time, the plurality of drivingelectrodes COML respectively extend in the X axis direction and arearranged in the Y axis direction. Further, the plurality of detectingelectrodes TDL respectively intersect the plurality of drivingelectrodes COML and are arranged in the X axis direction when seen in aplan view. More specifically, each of the plurality of detectingelectrodes TDL intersects the plurality of driving electrodes COML whenseen in a plan view. Note that the region in which the display device 10with a touch detection function is formed is the same region as thedisplay region Ad in which images are displayed.

As will be described later with reference to FIG. 15, each of theplurality of driving electrodes COML is provided so as to overlap theplurality of sub-pixels SPix arranged in the X axis direction when seenin a plan view. More specifically, one driving electrode COML isprovided as a common electrode for the plurality of sub-pixels SPix.Accordingly, the driving electrode COML is also referred to as a commonelectrode.

Note that the expression “when seen in a plan view” in the presentspecification indicates the case in which components are seen from adirection perpendicular to the front surface serving as the main surfaceof the TFT substrate 21.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the display device 10 with a touchdetection function has a rectangular shape with two sides whichrespectively extend in the X axis direction and are opposed to eachother and two sides which respectively extend in the Y axis directionand are opposed to each other when seen in a plan view. A terminal unitT formed of a flexible substrate or the like is provided on one side ofthe display device 10 with a touch detection function in the Y axisdirection. The detecting electrode TDL is connected with the touchdetection unit 40 mounted to the outside of the module via the terminalunit T. The driving electrode driver 14 is formed on the TFT substrate21 made of, for example, a glass substrate. The COG 19A is a chipmounted on the TFT substrate 21 and incorporates respective circuitsnecessary for display operations such as the control unit 11, the gatedriver 12 and the source driver 13 shown in FIG. 1.

On the other hand, the display device 1 may incorporate the drivingelectrode driver 14 in the COG. An example in which the drivingelectrode driver 14 is incorporated in the COG is shown in FIG. 8. Inthe example shown in FIG. 8, the display device 1 includes a COG 19B inits module. In the COG 19B shown in FIG. 8, the driving electrode driver14 is incorporated in addition to the above-described respectivecircuits necessary for the display operations.

<Display Device with Touch Detection Function>

Next, a configuration example of the display device 10 with a touchdetection function will be described in details. FIG. 9 is a sectionalview showing the display device with a touch detection function in thedisplay device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a circuitdiagram showing the display device with a touch detection function inthe display device according to the first embodiment. Note that theillustration of parts formed between the TFT substrate 21 and thedriving electrode COML such as TFT elements Tr (see FIG. 10), aninterlayer resin film 23 and a passivation film 23 a (see FIG. 16 to bedescribed later) is omitted.

The display device 10 with a touch detection function includes a pixelsubstrate 2, an opposing substrate 3 and a liquid crystal layer 6. Theopposing substrate 3 is disposed so that a front surface serving as amain surface of the pixel substrate 2 and a rear surface serving as amain surface of the opposing substrate 3 oppose each other. The liquidcrystal layer 6 is provided between the pixel substrate 2 and theopposing substrate 3.

The pixel substrate 2 includes the TFT substrate 21. As shown in FIG.10, in the display region Ad, a plurality of scanning lines GCL, aplurality of signal lines SGL and a plurality of TFT elements Tr whichare thin film transistors (TFT) are formed on the TFT substrate 21 (seeFIG. 9). Note that, in FIG. 9, the illustration of the scanning linesGCL, the signal lines SGL and the TFT elements Tr is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 10, the plurality of scanning lines GCL respectivelyextend in the X axis direction and are arranged in the Y axis directionin the display region Ad. The plurality of signal lines SGL respectivelyextend in the Y axis direction and are arranged in the X axis directionin the display region Ad. Accordingly, each of the plurality of signallines SGL intersects the plurality of scanning lines when seen in a planview. In this manner, sub-pixels SPix are demarcated by the plurality ofscanning lines GCL and the plurality of signal lines SGL which intersecteach other when seen in a plan view, and a single pixel Pix is formed bya plurality of sub-pixels SPix having different colors. Morespecifically, on the TFT substrate 21, the sub-pixels SPix are arrangedin a matrix form in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction in thedisplay region Ad. In other words, the sub-pixels SPix are arranged in amatrix form in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction in thedisplay region Ad on a front surface side of the TFT substrate 21.

The TFT element Tr is formed at an intersecting portion at which each ofthe plurality of scanning lines GCL and each of the plurality of signallines SGL intersect each other when seen in a plan view. Accordingly, inthe display region Ad, the plurality of TFT elements Tr are formed onthe TFT substrate 21, and the plurality of TFT elements Tr are arrangedin a matrix form in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. Morespecifically, each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix is provided withthe TFT element Tr. Also, each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix isprovided with a liquid crystal element LC in addition to the TFT elementTr.

The TFT element Tr is made up of, for example, a thin film transistorsuch as a n-channel MOS (metal oxide semiconductor). The gate electrodeof the TFT element Tr is connected with the scanning lines GCL. One ofthe source electrode and the drain electrode of the TFT element Tr isconnected with the signal line SGL. The other one of the sourceelectrode and the drain electrode of the TFT element Tr is connectedwith one end of the liquid crystal element LC. One end of the liquidcrystal element LC is connected with the drain electrode of the TFTelement Tr, and the other end thereof is connected with the drivingelectrode COML.

As shown in FIG. 9, the pixel substrate 2 includes the plurality ofdriving elements COML, an insulating layer 24, and a plurality of pixelelectrodes 22. The plurality of driving electrodes COML are provided onthe TFT substrate 21 in the display region Ad (see FIG. 7 or FIG. 8) onthe front surface side of the TFT substrate 21. The insulating film 24is formed on the TFT substrate 21 with the inclusion of the frontsurfaces of each of the plurality of driving electrodes COML. In thedisplay region Ad, a plurality of pixel electrodes 22 are formed on theinsulating film 24. Accordingly, the insulating film 24 electricallyinsulates the driving electrodes COML and the pixel electrodes 22.

As shown in FIG. 10, each of the plurality of pixel electrodes 22 isformed within each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix arranged in amatrix form in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction in thedisplay region Ad on the front surface side of the TFT substrate 21.Accordingly, the plurality of pixel electrodes 22 are arranged in amatrix form in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, each of the plurality of drivingelectrodes COML is formed between the TFT substrate 21 and the pixelelectrodes 22. Each of the plurality of driving electrodes COML isprovided so as to overlap the plurality of pixel electrodes 22 when seenin a plan view. Then, by applying voltage between each of the pluralityof pixel electrodes 22 and each of the plurality of driving electrodesCOML so that voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element LCprovided in each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix, an image isdisplayed in the display region Ad.

Note that each of the plurality of driving electrodes COML may be formedon the opposite side of the TFT substrate 21 with the pixel electrodes22 being interposed therebetween.

The liquid crystal layer 6 is provided to modulate light passingtherethrough in accordance with the state of the electric field, and aliquid crystal layer adapted to a transverse electric field mode such anFFS (fringe field switching) mode or an IPS (in plane switching) mode isused. More specifically, a liquid crystal display device of transverseelectric field mode such as the FFS mode or the IPS mode is used as theliquid crystal display device 20. Note that an alignment film may beprovided between the liquid crystal layer 6 and the pixel substrate 2and between the liquid crystal layer 6 and the opposing substrate 3shown in FIG. 9, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 10, the plurality of sub-pixels SPix arranged in the Xaxis direction, that is, the plurality of sub-pixels SPix which belongto the same row of the liquid crystal display device 20 are connectedwith each other by the scanning line GCL. The scanning lines GCL areconnected with the gate driver 12 (see FIG. 1) and scanning signalsVscan (see FIG. 1) are supplied thereto from the gate driver 12. Also,the plurality of sub-pixels SPix arranged in the Y axis direction, thatis, the plurality of sub-pixels SPix which belong to the same column ofthe liquid crystal display device 20 are connected with each other bythe signal line SGL. The signal lines SGL are connected with the sourcedriver 13 (see FIG. 1) and pixel signals Vpix (see FIG. 1) are suppliedthereto from the source driver 13. Further, the plurality of sub-pixelsSPix arranged in the X axis direction, that is, the plurality ofsub-pixels SPix which belong to the same row of the liquid crystaldisplay device 20 are connected with each other by the driving electrodeCOML.

The driving electrodes COML are connected with the driving electrodedriver 14 (see FIG. 1) and driving signals Vcom (see FIG. 1) aresupplied thereto from the driving electrode driver 14. In other words,in the example shown in FIG. 10, the plurality of sub-pixels SPix whichbelong to the same row share one driving electrode COML. The pluralityof driving electrodes COML respectively extend in the X axis directionand are arranged in the Y axis direction in the display region Ad. Asdescribed above, since the plurality of scanning lines GCL respectivelyextend in the X axis direction and are arranged in the Y axis directionin the display region Ad, the direction in which each of the pluralityof driving electrodes COML extends is parallel to the direction in whicheach of the plurality of scanning lines GCL extends. However, thedirection in which each of the plurality of driving electrodes COMLextends is not limited, and for example, the direction in which each ofthe plurality of driving electrodes COML extends may be a directionwhich is parallel to the direction in which each of the plurality ofsignal lines SGL extends.

The gate driver 12 shown in FIG. 1 sequentially selects one row, namely,one horizontal line from among the sub-pixels SPix which are arranged ina matrix form in the liquid crystal display device 20 as an object ofdisplay driving by applying the scanning signals Vscan to the gateelectrode of the TFT element Tr of each of the sub-pixels SPix via thescanning lines GCL shown in FIG. 10. The source driver 13 shown in FIG.1 supplies the pixel signals Vpix to each of the plurality of sub-pixelsSPix which constitute one horizontal line sequentially selected by thegate driver 12 via the signal lines SGL shown in FIG. 10. Then, displaysin accordance with the supplied pixel signals Vpix are made at theplurality of sub-pixels SPix constituting one horizontal line.

The driving electrode driver 14 shown in FIG. 1 applies driving signalsVcom to drive the driving electrodes COML for each of the detectionblocks corresponding to one or a plurality of driving electrodes COML.

In the liquid crystal display device 20, the gate driver 12 is driven soas to sequentially scan the scanning lines GCL on time division basis,thereby sequentially selecting the sub-pixels SPix for each horizontalline. Also, in the liquid crystal display device 20, the source driver13 supplies pixel signals Vpix to the sub-pixels SPix which belong toone horizontal line, so that displays are made for each horizontal line.In performing the display operation, the driving electrode driver 14applies driving signals Vcom to a detection block including the drivingelectrodes COML corresponding to the one horizontal line.

The driving electrodes COML of the display device 1 according to thepresent first embodiment operate as driving electrodes of the liquidcrystal display device 20 and also operate as driving electrodes of thetouch detection device 30. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing oneconfiguration example of the driving electrodes and the detectingelectrodes of the display device according to the present firstembodiment.

The touch detection device 30 includes a plurality of driving electrodesCOML provided on the pixel substrate 2 and a plurality of detectingelectrodes TDL provided on the opposing substrate 3. The plurality ofdetecting electrodes TDL respectively extend in the direction whichintersects the direction in which each of the plurality of drivingelectrodes COML extends when seen in a plan view. In other words, theplurality of detecting electrodes TDL are provided at intervals so as torespectively overlap the plurality of driving electrodes COML when seenin a plan view. Also, each of the plurality of detecting electrodes TDLopposes the driving electrodes COML in a direction which isperpendicular to the front surface of the TFT substrate 21 included inthe pixel substrate 2. Each of the plurality of detecting electrodes TDLis respectively connected with the touch detecting signal amplifyingunit 42 (see FIG. 1) of the touch detection unit 40. Electrostaticcapacitance is generated at intersecting portions between each of theplurality of driving electrodes COML and each of the plurality ofdetecting electrodes TDL seen in a plan view. Thus, input positions aredetected based on the electrostatic capacitance between each of theplurality of driving electrodes COML and each of the plurality ofdetecting electrodes TDL. Note that, as described above with referenceto FIG. 9, the driving electrodes COML oppose the pixel electrodes 22 ina direction which is perpendicular to the front surface of the TFTsubstrate 21.

With the configuration described above, when performing the touchdetection operation in the touch detection device 30, one detectionblock corresponding to one or a plurality of driving electrodes COML ina scanning direction Scan is sequentially selected by the drivingelectrode driver 14. Then, in the selected detection block, drivingsignals Vcom for measuring the electrostatic capacitance between thedriving electrodes COML and the detecting electrodes TDL are input tothe driving electrodes COML, and detecting signals Vdet for detectinginput positions are output from the detecting electrodes TDL. In thismanner, the touch detection device 30 is configured so as to perform thetouch detection for each detection block. More specifically, onedetection block corresponds to the driving electrode E1 of theabove-described principle of touch detection, and the detectingelectrode TDL corresponds to the detecting electrode E2.

As shown in FIG. 11, the plurality of driving electrodes COML and theplurality of detecting electrodes TDL which intersect each other whenseen in a plan view form an electrostatic capacitive touch sensor havinga matrix arrangement. Accordingly, by scanning the entire touchdetection surface of the touch detection device 30, positions which havebeen contacted or approached by a finger or the like can be detected.

As shown in FIG. 9, the opposing substrate 3 includes a glass substrate31, a color filter 32, detecting electrodes TDL and a polarizing plate35. The color filter 32 is formed on a rear surface serving as one mainsurface of the glass substrate 31. The detecting electrodes TDL are thedetecting electrodes of the touch detection device 30, and are formed ona front surface serving as the other main surface of the glass substrate31. The polarizing plate 35 is provided on the detecting electrodes TDL.

For example, color filters colored in three colors of red (R), green (G)and blue (B) are arranged in the X axis direction as the color filter32. In this manner, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of sub-pixels SPixcorresponding to each of color regions 32R, 32G and 32B of the threecolors of R, G and B are formed, and one pixel Pix is formed by one setof the plurality of sub-pixels SPix each corresponding to the colorregions 32R, 32G and 32B. The pixels Pix are arranged in a matrix formin the direction in which the scanning lines GCL extend (X axisdirection) and the direction in which the signal lines SGL extend (Yaxis direction). Further, the region in which the pixels Pix arearranged in a matrix form is the above-described display region Ad. Notethat the combination of colors of the color filter 32 may be anothercombination including a plurality of colors other than R, G and B. It isalso possible to provide no color filter 32. Alternatively, one pixelPix may include a sub-pixel SPix which is not provided with the colorfilter 32, that is, a white-colored sub-pixel SPix.

<Operation Timings>

Next, the display operation and operation timings of the touch detectionoperation of the display device 1 according to the present firstembodiment will be described.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a relationship betweendisplay periods and touch detection periods. As shown in FIG. 12, oneframe period 1F is made up of display periods Pd and touch detectionperiods Pt. In each of the touch detection periods Pt, the displaydevice 1 performs touch detection of, for example, the entire displayregion Ad, namely, touch detection of one screen. Note that the presentinvention is not limited to this, and the display device 1 may performthe touch detection of, for example, one or more screen of the displayregion Ad in each touch detection period Pt, and may perform the touchdetection of a part of the display region Ad, namely, the touchdetection of one screen or less.

In the touch detection period Pt during which the touch detectionoperation is performed, various signals for performing displayoperations such as the scanning signals Vscan and the pixel signals Vpix(see FIG. 1) are not applied to the liquid crystal display device 20.Accordingly, during the touch detection period Pt, the scanning linesGCL and the signal lines SGL (see FIG. 10) are in a floating state or astate in which DC potential is applied. In this manner, it is possibleto reduce the possibility that noise is transmitted from the scanninglines GCL and the signal lines SGL to the detecting electrodes TDL viaparasitic capacitance. More specifically, it is possible to reduce theinfluences of internal noise on the touch detection operation.

FIG. 13 is a timing waveform chart showing various signals during thedisplay period. In FIG. 13, (a) shows a waveform of the display drivingsignal Vcomd, (b) shows a waveform of the scanning signal Vscan and (c)shows a waveform of the pixel signal Vpix.

The display device 1 performs the display operation during the displayperiod Pd based on the display driving signal Vcomd, the scanning signalVscan and the pixel signal Vpix.

First, the driving electrode driver 14 applies the display drivingsignal Vcomd to, for example, a certain driving signal application blockincluding a plurality of driving electrodes COML at timing t1, and itsvoltage level changes from low level to high level. In this manner, onehorizontal period 1H is started. The gate driver 12 applies the scanningsignal Vscan to the scanning line GCL of the pixels on the (n−1)th rowincluded in the driving signal application block at timing t2.Consequently, the scanning signal Vscan(n−1) changes from low level tohigh level. Also, the source driver 13 applies the pixel signal Vpix tothe signal line SGL during a period between timing t3 and timing t4. Inthis manner, display for one horizontal line is started. Then, after thesupply of the pixel signal Vpix by the source driver 13 is finished, thegate driver 12 changes the scanning signal Vscan(n−1) from high level tolow level at timing t5.

Next, the driving electrode driver 14 changes the voltage level of thedisplay driving signal Vcomd from high level to low level at timing t11.In this manner, the next one horizontal period (1H) is started. The gatedriver 12 applies the scanning signal Vscan to the scanning line GCL ofthe pixels on the n-th row included in the driving signal applicationblock at timing t12, and the scanning signal Vscan(n) changes from lowlevel to high level. Also, the source driver 13 applies the pixel signalVpix to the signal line SGL during a period between timing t13 to timingt14 to start display for one horizontal line. Note that, in thisexample, since the display device 1 performs inversion driving, thepolarity of the pixel signal Vpix applied by the source driver 13 isinverted with respect to the polarity of the pixel signal Vpix in theprevious one horizontal period 1H. Then, after the supply of the pixelsignal Vpix by the source driver 13 is finished, the gate driver 12changes the scanning signal Vscan(n) from high level to low level attiming t15.

By repeating the above-described operation for the scanning lines GCL ofthe pixels on each row in the inclusion of the scanning line GCL of thepixels on the (n+1)th row, the display device 1 performs the displayoperations for all of the driving electrodes COML included in thedriving signal application block within the display region Ad. Then, thedisplay device 1 performs the display operations for all of the drivingelectrodes COML included in another driving signal application blockwithin the display region Ad. By repeating the operation in the samemanner, the display device 1 performs the display operation for theentire display region Ad during the display period Pd.

FIG. 14 is a timing waveform chart showing waveforms of various signalsduring the touch detection period. In FIG. 14, (a) shows a waveform ofthe driving signal Vcom and (b) shows a waveform of the detecting signalVdet.

The driving electrode driver 14 performs the touch detection operationbased on driving signals during the touch detection period Pt.

First, the driving electrode driver 14 supplies the AC driving signalVcomAC to the driving electrodes COML on the k-th row as the drivingsignal Vcom(k). The AC driving signal VcomAC is transmitted to thedetecting electrode TDL via the electrostatic capacitance, and thedetecting signal Vdet changes (see FIG. 6). The A/D converting unit 43performs A/D conversion of the output signal of the touch detectingsignal amplifying unit 42 to which the detecting signal Vdet is input,at the sampling timing ts which is in synchronization with the ACdriving signal VcomAC. Consequently, the touch detection operation isperformed in a region in which the driving electrodes COML on the k-throw are formed within the display region Ad.

Next, the driving electrode driver 14 supplies the AC driving signalVcomAC to the driving electrodes COML on the (k+1)th row as the drivingsignal Vcom(k+1). The AC driving signal VcomAC is transmitted to thedetecting electrode TDL via the electrostatic capacitance, and thedetecting signal Vdet changes. The A/D converting unit 43 performs A/Dconversion of the output signal of the touch detecting signal amplifyingunit 42 to which the detecting signal Vdet is input, at the samplingtiming ts which is in synchronization with the AC driving signal VcomAC.Consequently, the touch detection operation is performed in a region inwhich the driving electrodes COML on the (k+1)th row are formed withinthe display region Ad.

By repeating the above-described operation, the display device 1performs the touch detection operation for the entire display region Ad.

<Positional Relationship Between Driving Electrodes and PixelElectrodes>

Next, the positional relationship between the driving electrode and thepixel electrode will be described with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a driving electrode together with a pixelelectrode in the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG.16 is a sectional view showing the driving electrode together with thepixel electrode in the display device according to the first embodiment.FIG. 15 shows a configuration of one pixel electrode 22 provided withinone sub-pixel SPix and its periphery. FIG. 16 is a sectional view takenalong the line A-A in FIG. 15. Note that, in FIG. 15, the illustrationof parts other than the TFT substrate 21, the driving electrode COML,the pixel electrode 22, electrodes included in the TFT element Tr, thescanning line GCL and the signal line SGL is omitted, and in FIG. 16,the illustration of parts above the pixel electrode 22 is omitted.

The scanning line GCL which operates as a gate wiring is formed on theTFT substrate 21. As described above, the scanning line GCL extends inthe row direction (X axis direction) and is made of, for example, opaquemetal such as aluminum (Al) or molybdenum (Mo). The gate electrode GE isprovided near an intersecting portion of the scanning line GCL at whichit intersects the signal line SGL when seen in a plan view.

A transparent gate insulating film GI made of, for example, siliconnitride or silicon oxide is formed so as to cover the scanning line GCLand the gate electrode GE. Further, a semiconductor layer SL made of,for example, amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon is formed onthe gate insulating film G1 which overlaps the gate electrode GE whenseen in a plan view.

On the gate insulating film GI, for example, the signal line SGL servingas a source wiring is formed. As described above, the signal line SGLextends in the column direction (Y axis direction), and is made ofopaque metal such as Al or Mo, like the scanning line GCL.

In the example shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, a source electrode SE isconnected near the intersecting portion of the signal line SGL at whichit intersects the scanning line GCL when seen in a plan view. The sourceelectrode SE is in partial contact with the surface of the semiconductorlayer SL.

A drain electrode DE, which is made of the same material as the signalline SGL and formed simultaneously with the signal line SGL, is providedon the gate insulating film GI. The drain electrode DE is disposed nearthe source electrode SE and is in partial contact with the semiconductorlayer SL.

The gate electrode GE, the gate insulating film GI, the semiconductorlayer SL, the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE constitutethe TFT element Tr serving as a switching element.

Further, an interlayer resin film 23 made of a transparent resinmaterial such as a photoresist is formed so as to cover exposed portionsof the signal line SGL, the TFT element Tr and the gate insulating filmGI. More specifically, the interlayer resin film 23 is formed on the TFTelement Tr including the drain electrode DE. The interlayer resin film23 not only covers the exposed portions of the signal line SGL, the TFTelement Tr and the gate insulating film GI, but is also a planarizationfilm which planarizes uneven surfaces of the signal line SGL, the TFTelement Tr and the gate insulating film GI.

Note that it is also possible to form a transparent passivation film 23a made of, for example, silicon nitride or silicon oxide so as to covera part or all of the exposed portions of the signal line SGL, the TFTelement Tr and the gate insulating film GI as an underlying layer of theinterlayer resin film 23. Further, it is also possible to form theinterlayer resin film 23 so as to cover the passivation film 23 a. FIG.16 shows an example in which the passivation film 23 a is formed.

The driving electrode COML made of a conductive material withtranslucency with respect to visible light such as ITO or IZO (indiumzinc oxide) is formed so as to cover the interlayer resin film 23. Inthe present first embodiment, the driving electrode COML operates as adriving electrode which drives the liquid crystal layer 6 (see FIG. 9).Further, in the present first embodiment, since the driving voltage fortouch panel detection is applied, namely, the driving signal formeasuring the electrostatic capacitance between the driving electrodeCOML and the detecting electrode TDL to detect an input position isinput to the driving electrode COML, the driving electrode COML operatesalso as a driving electrode of the touch panel.

The driving electrode COML is integrally and continuously formed in theX axis direction so as to overlap the plurality of sub-pixels SPixarranged in the X axis direction when seen in a plan view. Morespecifically, one driving electrode COML is provided as a commonelectrode for a plurality of sub-pixels SPix. Accordingly, the drivingelectrode COML is also referred to as a common electrode.

A transparent insulating film 24 made of, for example, silicon nitrideor silicon oxide is formed so as to cover the driving electrode COML.Then, a plurality of pixel electrodes 22 made of a conductive materialwith translucency with respect to visible light such as ITO or IZO areformed so as to cover the insulating film 24. The plurality of pixelelectrodes 22 are formed so as to respectively overlap the drivingelectrode COML within each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix when seenin a plan view. In other words, the driving electrode COML is providedso as to overlap the plurality of pixel electrodes 22 arranged in the Xaxis direction when seen in a plan view. More specifically, the drivingelectrode COML and the pixel electrode 22 oppose each other with theinsulating film 24 interposed therebetween in each of the plurality ofsub-pixels SPix.

A contact hole 25 which penetrates through the insulating film 24, theinterlayer resin film 23 and the passivation film 23 a to reach thedrain electrode DE of the TFT element Tr is formed at a position whichoverlaps the drain electrode DE when seen in a plan view. The drainelectrode DE is exposed on a bottom surface portion of the contact hole25. The pixel electrode 22 is formed on the insulating film 24 with theinclusion of the side surface portion and the bottom surface portion ofthe contact hole 25, and is electrically connected with the drainelectrode DE which is exposed on the bottom surface portion of thecontact hole 25.

Note that a slit-like aperture 26 extending in the extending directionof the signal line SGL (Y axis direction) as a whole may be formed inthe pixel electrode 22 formed within each sub-pixel SPix. The slit-likeapertures 26 may also be bent in the middle. Further, as will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 27, light-shielding portions BM1 andBM2 may be formed so as to overlap each of the plurality of scanninglines GCL and the plurality of signal lines SGL when seen in a planview.

<Detecting Electrodes>

Next, the shape and arrangement of the detecting electrodes seen in aplan view will be described. In the following, the case in which thedetecting electrode has a conductive line with a so-called zigzag shapewill be described.

FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are plan views schematically showing one example ofa configuration of a detecting electrode in the display device accordingto the present first embodiment. FIG. 17 shows one detecting electrodeTDL from among the plurality of detecting electrodes TDL. Also, in FIG.18, a part of the detecting electrode TDL is shown in an enlargedmanner.

Each of the plurality of detecting electrodes TDL includes conductivelines ML. In the example shown in FIG. 17, one detecting electrode TDLincludes six conductive lines ML. The conductive line ML has a zigzagshape which extends in a certain direction as a whole while alternatelybending in opposite directions when seen in a plan view. The directionin which the conductive lines ML extend as a whole when seen in a planview is defined as a direction D1, and a direction which intersects thedirection D1 is defined as a direction D2. At this time, the conductiveline ML has a zigzag shape which extends in the direction D1 as a wholewhile alternately bending in opposite directions when seen in a planview. Also, the conductive lines ML are arranged in the direction D2when seen in a plan view.

As shown in FIG. 18, the conductive line ML includes a plurality ofextending portions EX1 and a plurality of extending portions EX2. Eachof the plurality of extending portions EX1 extends while inclining toone side (left side in FIG. 18) in the direction D2 with respect to thedirection D1 when seen in a plan view. Also, each of the plurality ofextending portions EX2 extends while inclining to the side opposite tothe one side (right side in FIG. 18) in the direction D2 with respect tothe direction D1 when seen in a plan view. The extending portions EX1and the extending portions EX2 are alternately arranged in the directionD1 when seen in a plan view. Further, end portions of the extendingportions EX1 and the extending portions EX2 which are adjacent to eachother in the direction D1 are coupled to each other. Consequently, theplurality of extending portions EX1 and the plurality of extendingportions EX2 are integrated as conductive lines ML.

As shown in FIG. 18, the conductive line ML includes a plurality of bentportions BT1 and a plurality of bent portions BT2. Each of the pluralityof bent portions BT1 bends in a direction which is inclined to one side(left side in FIG. 18) in the direction D2 with respect to the directionD1 when seen in a plan view. Also, each of the plurality of bentportions BT2 bends in a direction which is inclined to the side oppositeto the one side (right side in FIG. 18) in the direction D2 with respectto the direction D1 when seen in a plan view. In the conductive line ML,the bent portions BT1 and the bent portions BT2 are alternately disposedin the direction D1 when seen in a plan view.

FIG. 18 shows two conductive lines ML. Each of the two conductive linesML includes a bent portion BT11 and a bent portion BT12 as the pluralityof bent portions BT1 and a bent portion BT21 and a bent portion BT22 asthe plurality of bent portions BT2. The bent portion BT11 bends in adirection D11 which is inclined to one side (left side in FIG. 18) inthe direction D2 with respect to the direction D1 when seen in a planview. The bent portion BT21 bends in a direction D21 which is inclinedto the side opposite to the one side (right side in FIG. 18) in thedirection D2 with respect to the direction D1 when seen in a plan view.The bent portion BT12 bends in a direction D12 which is inclined to oneside (left side in FIG. 18) in the direction D2 with respect to thedirection D1 when seen in a plan view. The bent portion BT22 bends in adirection D22 which is inclined to the side opposite to the one side(right side in FIG. 18) in the direction D2 with respect to thedirection D1 when seen in a plan view. In the example shown in FIG. 18,the direction D12 is an identical direction, namely, parallel directionto the direction D11, and the direction D22 is an identical direction,namely, parallel direction to the direction D21.

Note that an angle formed by the direction D11 and the direction D1 isdefined as an angle θ11, an angle formed by the direction D12 and thedirection D1 is defined as an angle θ12, an angle formed by thedirection D21 and the direction D1 is defined as an angle θ21 and anangle formed by the direction D22 and the direction D1 is defined as anangle θ22.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the conductive line MLincludes an extending portion EX11 and an extending portion EX12 as theplurality of extending portions EX1 and an extending portion EX21 and anextending portion EX22 as the plurality of extending portions EX2. Theextending portion EX11 extends in the direction D11 when seen in a planview, the extending portion EX21 extends in the direction D21 when seenin a plan view, the extending portion EX12 extends in the direction D12when seen in a plan view, and the extending portion EX22 extends in thedirection D22 when seen in a plan view. In the example shown in FIG. 18,as described above, the direction D12 is an identical direction, namely,parallel direction to the direction D11, and the direction D22 is anidentical direction, namely, parallel direction to the direction D21.Accordingly, the extending portion EX11 and the extending portion EX12are parallel to each other and the extending portion EX21 and theextending portion EX22 are parallel to each other.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the extending portions EX11included in adjacent conductive lines ML are parallel to each other andthe extending portions EX12 included in adjacent conductive lines ML areparallel to each other. Moreover, the extending portions EX21 includedin adjacent conductive lines ML are parallel to each other and theextending portions EX22 included in adjacent conductive lines ML areparallel to each other.

Note that the direction D12 may be a direction different from thedirection D11, namely, a direction which intersects the direction D11,and the direction D22 may be a direction different from the directionD21, namely, a direction which intersects the direction D21. Morespecifically, the extending portion EX11 and the extending portion EX12need not to be parallel to each other, and the extending portion EX21and the extending portion EX22 need not to be parallel to each other.The example like this is shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a plan viewschematically showing another example of the configuration of thedetecting electrode in the display device according to the firstembodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 19, the extending portions EX11 included inadjacent conductive lines ML are not parallel to each other, and theextending portions EX12 included in adjacent conductive lines ML are notparallel to each other. Further, the extending portions EX21 included inadjacent conductive lines ML are not parallel to each other and theextending portions EX22 included in adjacent conductive lines ML are notparallel to each other.

Each of the plurality of conductive lines ML includes a metal layer oran alloy layer formed in the same layer. More specifically, each of theplurality of conductive lines ML includes a metal layer or an alloylayer of the same kind. Accordingly, each of the plurality of detectingelectrodes includes a metal layer or an alloy layer. Consequently, sinceit is possible to improve the conductivity of each of the plurality ofconductive lines ML, the detecting sensitivity or the detecting speed ofthe detecting electrodes TDL can be improved.

Preferably, each of the plurality of conductive lines ML includes ametal layer or an alloy layer made of one or more metal selected from agroup made up of aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), molybdenum(Mo), chromium (Cr) and tungsten (W). Consequently, since it is possibleto further improve the conductivity of each of the plurality ofconductive lines ML, the detecting sensitivity or the detecting speed ofthe detecting electrodes TDL can be further improved.

When the display device 1 is a so-called in-cell liquid crystal displaydevice like the present first embodiment and one frame period 1F isdivided into the display periods Pd and the touch detection periods Ptas described above, it is necessary to improve the detection speed bythe detecting electrodes TDL. Accordingly, when each of the plurality ofconductive lines ML includes a metal layer or an alloy layer, the effectof improving the detection performance because of the improvement in thedetection speed becomes larger when compared with the case where each ofthe plurality of conductive lines ML does not include a metal layer oran alloy layer.

Each of the plurality of conductive lines ML may include, in addition tothe above-mentioned metal layer or alloy layer, an oxide layer made ofan oxide of one or more metal selected from a group made up of aluminum(Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr) andtungsten (W). More specifically, each of the plurality of conductivelines ML may be a stacked body in which the above-mentioned metal layeror alloy layer and the oxide layer are stacked.

Alternatively, each of the plurality of conductive lines ML may be astacked body in which the above-mentioned metal layer or alloy layer anda translucent conductive layer made of a conductive oxide havingtranslucency with respect to visible light such as ITO are stacked. Inthis case, the conductivity of each of the plurality of conductive linesML can be improved when compared with the case where each of theconductive lines ML is made up of only the translucent conductive layer.

Note that, in the present specification, the expression “withtranslucency with respect to visible light” indicates that thetransmittance with respect to visible light is, for example, 90% ormore, and the transmittance with respect to visible light indicates anaverage value of the transmittance with respect to light having awavelength of, for example, 400 to 800 nm. Further, the transmittanceindicates a ratio of light, which has transmitted to reach the surfaceon the opposite side of the rear surface of the display device 10 with atouch detection function (see FIG. 9) in the display region Ad, out ofthe light which has been irradiated to the rear surface of the displaydevice 10 with a touch detection function.

On the other hand, each of the plurality of conductive lines ML may havelight-shielding properties with respect to visible light. That is, eachof the plurality of detecting electrodes TDL may have light-shieldingproperties with respect to visible light. Here, the expression “havelight-shielding properties with respect to visible light” indicates thatthe transmittance with respect to visible light is, for example, 10% orless. Accordingly, the transmittance with respect to visible light ofeach of the plurality of conductive lines ML may be 10% or less. As willbe described later, in the present first embodiment, a ratio of totalsum of the areas of portions of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix whichoverlap any of the plurality of detecting electrodes TDL and theplurality of dummy electrodes TDD when seen in a plan view to total sumof the areas of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix is 1 to 22%. In such acase, even when the transmittance of the plurality of conductive linesML themselves with respect to visible light is 10% or less, thetransmittance of the entire display region Ad, namely, the transmittanceof the display device 1 can be made to be 90% or more.

Further, when the detecting electrodes TDL include a metal layer or analloy layer, a low reflection layer having a reflectance with respect tovisible light which is lower than the reflectance of the metal layer orthe alloy layer with respect to visible light may be formed on thesurface of the metal layer or the alloy layer or on the meal layer orthe alloy layer. More specifically, a low reflection layer having areflectance with respect to visible light which is lower than thereflectance of the detecting electrode TDL with respect to visible lightmay be formed on the surface of the detecting electrode TDL or on thedetecting electrode TDL. In this manner, since the ratio of visiblelight which is reflected by the detecting electrodes TDL out of thevisible light which has been incident on the detecting electrodes TDL isreduced, it is possible to reduce the reflectance of the detectingelectrodes TDL with respect to visible light, and to reduce glares ofimages displayed in the display region Ad.

As a method of forming a low reflection layer on the surface of themetal layer or the alloy layer, for example, a method of roughening thesurface of the metal layer or the alloy layer has been known. On theother hand, as a method of forming a low reflection layer on the metallayer or the alloy layer, for example, a method of forming anotherblack-colored layer on the metal layer or the alloy layer has beenknown.

In the example shown in FIG. 17, each of the plurality of detectingelectrodes TDL includes a plurality of connecting portions CNB1, aplurality of connecting portions CNT1, a connecting portion CNB2 and aconnecting portion CNT2. Each of the plurality of connecting portionsCNB1 electrically connects end portions MLE1 of adjacent conductivelines ML on one side in the direction D1 (lower side in FIG. 17). Eachof the plurality of connecting portions CNT1 electrically connects endportions MLE2 of adjacent conductive lines ML on the side opposite tothe one side in the direction D1 (upper side in FIG. 17). The connectingportion CNB2 electrically connects the plurality of connecting portionsCNB1 with each other, and the connecting portion CNT2 electricallyconnects the plurality of connecting portions CNT1 with each other.Accordingly, the conductive lines ML which are adjacent to each other inthe direction D2 are electrically connected in parallel between theconnecting portion CNB2 and the connecting portion CNT2.

The connecting portion CNB2 is connected with the touch detection unit40 shown in FIG. 1 via a detection wiring TDG. Also, the plurality ofconductive lines ML included in each of the detecting electrodes TDL areelectrically connected with the connecting portion CNB2 via theconnecting portion CNB1. Accordingly, the plurality of conductive linesML included in each of the detecting electrodes TDL are connected withthe touch detection unit 40 shown in FIG. 1 via the connecting portionCNB1, the connecting portion CNB2 and the detection wiring TDG.

In this manner, the detecting electrodes TDL can include a conductiveline group MLG made up of a plurality of conductive lines ML which arearranged in the direction D2 and connected in parallel to each other.Consequently, since it is possible to reduce the electric resistance ofthe detecting electrodes TDL, it is possible to improve the detectingsensitivity or the detecting speed in performing the detectionoperations by the detecting electrodes TDL.

The display device 1 according to the present first embodimentpreferably includes a plurality of dummy electrodes TDD. Each of theplurality of dummy electrodes TDD is provided in a region AR2corresponding to the region other than a region AR1 in which theconductive line group MLG made up of the conductive lines ML is formedin the display region Ad, that is, in the region AR2 in which theconductive line group MLG is not formed in the display region Ad. Inother words, each of the plurality of dummy electrodes TDD is providedin the display region Ad between two conductive lines ML which areformed apart from each other. Alternatively, each of the plurality ofdummy electrodes TDD is provided so as to be separate from all of theplurality of detecting electrodes TDL in the display region Ad. Notethat it is not necessary to provide a plurality of dummy electrodes TDD,and only one dummy electrode may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 18, the dummy electrode TDD includes a plurality ofextending portions EX3 and a plurality of extending portions EX4. Eachof the plurality of extending portions EX3 extends while inclining toone side (left side in FIG. 17) in the direction D2 with respect to thedirection D1 when seen in a plan view. Also, each of the plurality ofextending portions EX4 extends while inclining to the side opposite tothe one side (right side in FIG. 17) in the direction D2 with respect tothe direction D1 when seen in a plan view. The extending portions EX3and the extending portions EX4 are alternately arranged in the directionD1 when seen in a plan view.

Further, unlike the conductive lines ML, end portions of the extendingportions EX3 and the extending portions EX4 which are adjacent to eachother in the direction D1 are not coupled in the dummy electrodes TDD.In other words, the plurality of extending portions EX3 and theplurality of extending portions EX4 are formed by cutting and dividingconductive lines DL having a zigzag shape, which extend in the directionD1 as a whole while alternately bending in opposite directions when seenin a plan view, at respective bent portions. Note that, as shown in FIG.17 and FIG. 18, the plurality of dummy electrodes TDD may be arranged inthe direction D2.

As described above, the conductive lines ML preferably havelight-shielding properties. Further, as will be described later, thedummy electrodes TDD are preferably made of the same metal layer oralloy layer as the metal layer or alloy layer included in the conductivelines ML. Accordingly, when the dummy electrodes TDD are not formed inthe region AR2 in which the conductive lines ML with light-shieldingproperties are not formed, the transmittance of the entire region AR2with respect to visible light becomes larger than the transmittance ofthe entire region AR1 with respect to visible light. Thus, since adifference in brightness occurs between the region AR1 and the regionAR2, it becomes easier to recognize the detecting electrodes TDL.

On the other hand, by forming the dummy electrodes TDD in the region AR2in which the conductive lines ML with light-shielding properties are notformed, it is possible to prevent or suppress the occurrence of the casein which the transmittance with respect to visible light in the entireregion AR2 becomes larger than the transmittance with respect to visiblelight in the entire region AR1. Consequently, it becomes possible toprevent or suppress the difference in brightness from occurring betweenthe region AR1 and the region AR2, and it is possible to prevent orsuppress the detecting electrodes TDL from being recognized.

Preferably, each of the plurality of dummy electrodes TDD includes ametal layer or an alloy layer made of one or more metal selected from agroup made up of aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), molybdenum(Mo), chromium (Cr) and tungsten (W) like each of the plurality ofconductive lines ML. More specifically, each of the plurality of dummyelectrodes TDD may have light-shielding properties with respect tovisible light. In this case, since the difference in transmittance withrespect to visible light between each of the plurality of dummyelectrodes TDD and each of the plurality of conductive lines ML can befurther reduced, it is possible to further prevent or suppress thedifference in brightness from occurring between the region AR1 and theregion AR2.

Each of the plurality of dummy electrodes TDD may include, in additionto the above-mentioned metal layer or alloy layer, an oxide layer madeof an oxide of one or more metal selected from a group made up ofaluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr)and tungsten (W). More specifically, each of the plurality of dummyelectrodes TDD may be a stacked body in which the above-mentioned metallayer or alloy layer and the oxide layer are stacked.

Further, each of the plurality of dummy electrodes TDD may be a stackedbody in which the above-mentioned metal layer or alloy layer and atranslucent conductive layer made of a conductive oxide withtranslucency with respect to visible light such as ITO are stacked.

Preferably, the plurality of dummy electrodes TDD are made of a metallayer or an alloy layer which is formed in the same layer as theplurality of conductive lines ML. Consequently, it is possible to formthe plurality of dummy electrodes TDD and the plurality of conductivelines ML in the same process. Also, since it is possible to reduce thedifference in transmittance with respect to visible light between eachof the plurality dummy electrodes TDL and each of the plurality ofconductive lines ML, it is possible to further prevent or suppress thedifference in brightness from occurring between the region AR1 and theregion AR2.

Note that, in the present first embodiment, end portions of theextending portions EX3 and the extending portions EX4 which are adjacentto each other in the direction D1 are not coupled in one dummy electrodeTDD. Therefore, even when a finger has approached both of the detectingelectrode TDL and the dummy electrode TDD when performing the detectionoperation by the detecting electrode TDL, the influence of the dummyelectrode TDD on the absolute value |ΔV| shown in FIG. 6 can be reduced.More specifically, by dividing one dummy electrode TDD into a pluralityof extending portions EX3 and a plurality of extending portions EX4 andelectrically insulating each of the plurality of divided extendingportions EX3 and the plurality of divided extending portions EX4 withrespect to each other, the positional accuracy detected when thedetection operation is performed by the detecting electrode TDL can beimproved.

FIG. 20 is a plan view schematically showing one example of arelationship between positions of the detecting electrodes and positionsof pixels in the display device according to the first embodiment.

In the display region Ad, a plurality of pixels Pix are arranged in amatrix form in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. Each ofthe plurality of pixels Pix includes a plurality of sub-pixels SPixarranged in the X axis direction. Accordingly, the plurality ofsub-pixels SPix are arranged in a matrix form in the X axis directionand the Y axis direction in the display region Ad. In the example shownin FIG. 20, the pixel Pix includes three types of sub-pixels SPixdisplaying each of the three colors of R (red), G (green) and B (blue).Accordingly, the pixel Pix includes a plurality of sub-pixels SPixrespectively corresponding to each of the color regions 32R, 32G and 32Bof the three colors of R, G and B. Note that the kinds of colorsdisplayed by the sub-pixels SPix are not limited to three kinds. Forexample, the pixel Pix may include four types of sub-pixels SPixdisplaying each of the four colors of R (red), G (green), B (blue) and W(white).

The plurality of sub-pixels SPix are arranged in a matrix form in thedirection in which the scanning lines GCL extend (X axis direction) andthe direction in which the signal lines SGL extend (Y axis direction).The scanning lines GCL and the signal lines SGL or light-shieldingportions BM1 and BM2 (see FIG. 27 to be described later) which areformed so as to cover the scanning lines GCL and the signal lines SGLsuppress the transmission of light.

Accordingly, in the image displayed in the display region Ad, a patternformed of a plurality of lines which extend in the direction in whichthe scanning lines GCL extend (X axis direction) and are arranged in thedirection which intersects the direction in which the scanning lines GCLextend (Y axis direction), that is, a pattern of the scanning lines GCLis observed. Further, in the image displayed in the display region Ad, apattern formed of a plurality of lines which extend in the direction inwhich the signal lines SGL extend (Y axis direction) and are arranged inthe direction which intersects the direction in which the signal linesSGL extend (X axis direction), that is, a pattern of the signal linesSGL is observed. Then, in the image displayed in the display region Ad,the pattern of the scanning lines GCL or the pattern of the signal linesSGL may interfere with the pattern of the detecting electrodes TDL, sothat a light and shade stripe pattern such as a moire pattern isobserved, and there is the fear that the visibility of the imagedisplayed in the display region Ad is degraded.

In the example shown in FIG. 20, the direction D1 in which theconductive lines ML extend as a whole is identical to, namely, parallelto the Y axis direction in which the sub-pixels SPix are arranged.However, in the display device 1 according to the present firstembodiment, the conductive lines ML preferably include the extendingportions EX11 (see FIG. 18) which extend in, for example, the directionD11 which intersects both of the X axis direction and the Y axisdirection. Also, an angle which is formed by the direction D11 in whichthe extending portions EX11 extend and the Y axis direction in which thesub-pixels SPix are arranged is the angle θ11 (see FIG. 18).

This angle θ11 is set to a proper angle which is larger than 0 degreeand smaller than 90 degrees. At this time, the conductive lines MLinclude a portion which extends in the direction D11 which intersectsboth of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction when seen in aplan view. Consequently, it is possible to prevent or suppress theoccurrence of the case in which the pattern of the scanning lines GCL orthe pattern of the signal lines SGL interferes with the pattern of thedetecting electrodes TDL and a light and shade stripe pattern such as amoire pattern is observed.

Note that, in the example shown in FIG. 20, the extending portions EX3and the extending portions EX4 included in the dummy electrodes TDDintersect both of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction.Consequently, it is possible to prevent or suppress the occurrence ofthe case in which the pattern of the scanning lines GCL or the patternof the signal lines SGL interferes with the pattern of the dummyelectrodes TDD, and a light and shade stripe pattern such as a moirepattern is observed.

On the other hand, the direction D1 in which the conductive lines MLextend as a whole may be a direction which is different from the Y axisdirection in which the sub-pixels SPix are arranged, namely, a directionwhich intersects the Y axis direction. The example like this is shown inFIG. 21. FIG. 21 is a plan view schematically showing another example ofa relationship between positions of the detecting electrodes andpositions of pixels in the display device according to the firstembodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 21, the direction D2 in which theconductive lines ML are arranged is a direction which is different fromthe X axis direction in which the sub-pixels SPix are arranged, namely,a direction which intersects the X axis direction. Consequently, adirection of periodicity of color distribution based on the arrangementof the plurality of sub-pixels SPix differs from a direction ofperiodicity of transmittance distribution based on the arrangement ofthe plurality of conductive lines ML. Accordingly, by arranging theconductive lines ML with light-shielding properties, it is possible toprevent or suppress the occurrence of the case in which only the pixelsexpressing one of the plurality of colors are shielded, resulting in thevariations in color tone.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21, end portions of the extending portions EX3and the extending portions EX4 which are adjacent to each other in thedirection D1 may be coupled with each other in a part of the displayregion Ad. In such a case, the positional accuracy detected by thedetecting electrodes TDL is slightly degraded when compared with thecase in which the end portions of the extending portions EX3 and theextending portions EX4 which are adjacent to each other in the directionD1 are not coupled with each other in the entire display region Ad asshown in FIG. 20. However, the positional accuracy detected by thedetecting electrodes TDL can be improved when compared with the case inwhich the end portions of the extending portions EX3 and the extendingportions EX4 which are adjacent to each other in the direction D1 arecoupled with each other in the entire display region Ad.

In the example shown in FIG. 21, in one dummy electrode TDD, one end ofthe extending portion EX3 in the direction D1 is connected with an endportion of the extending portion EX4 which is positioned on the one sideof the extending portion EX3 in the direction D1. However, an end of theextending portion EX3 on the side opposite to the one side in thedirection D1 is not connected with an end portion of the extendingportion EX4 which is positioned on the side opposite to the one side ofthe extending portion EX3 in the direction D1.

<Modified Example of Detecting Electrode>

Next, a modified example of the shape and arrangement of the detectingelectrodes seen in a plan view will be described. In the following, thecase in which the detecting electrode is provided with a conductive linehaving a so-called mesh-like shape will be described.

FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are plan views schematically showing oneconfiguration example of the detecting electrode in a display deviceaccording to a first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 22shows one detecting electrode TDL from among the plurality of detectingelectrodes. Also, FIG. 23 shows a part of the detecting electrode TDL inan enlarged manner. However, the example of FIG. 23 is another exampledifferent from the example shown in FIG. 22, and is an example in whichsix conductive lines are coupled.

Note that, since the conductive line included in the detecting electrodeof the present first modified example may be similar to the conductiveline ML included in the above-mentioned detecting electrodes TDL in thepoints of, for example, including a metal layer or an alloy layer,except for the shape seen in a plan view, namely, the planar shape, thedescriptions thereof will be omitted.

Each of the plurality of detecting electrodes TDL includes conductivelines ML1 and conductive lines ML2. In the example shown in FIG. 22, onedetecting electrode TDL includes two conductive lines ML1 and twoconductive lines ML2. Each of the conductive lines ML1 and theconductive lines ML2 has a zigzag shape which extends in a certaindirection as a whole while alternately bending in opposite directionswhen seen in a plan view. Also in the present first modified example,similar to the first embodiment, the direction in which each of theconductive lines ML1 and the conductive lines ML2 extends as a wholewhen seen in a plan view is defined as the direction D1, and thedirection which intersects the direction D1 is defined as the directionD2. At this time, each of the conductive lines ML1 and the conductivelines ML2 has a zigzag shape which extends in the direction D1 as awhole while alternately bending in opposite directions when seen in aplan view. Further, portions which are bent in mutually oppositedirections in the conductive lines ML1 and the conductive lines ML2adjacent to each other in the direction D2 are coupled with each other.

As shown in FIG. 23, the conductive line ML1 includes a plurality ofbent portions BT5 and a plurality of bent portions BT6. Each of theplurality of bent portions BT5 bends in a direction which is inclined toone side (left side in FIG. 23) in the direction D2 with respect to thedirection D1 when seen in a plan view. Each of the plurality of bentportions BT6 bends in a direction which is inclined to the side oppositeto the one side (right side in FIG. 22) in the direction D2 with respectto the direction D1 when seen in a plan view.

As shown in FIG. 23, the conductive line ML2 includes a plurality ofbent portions BT7 and a plurality of bent portions BT8. Each of theplurality of bent portions BT7 bends in a direction which is inclined tothe side opposite to the one side (right side in FIG. 23) in thedirection D2 with respect to the direction D1 when seen in a plan view.Each of the plurality of bent portions BT8 bends in a direction which isinclined to the one side (left side in FIG. 23) in the direction D2 withrespect to the direction D1 when seen in a plan view.

In the conductive line ML1, the bent portion BT5 and the bent portionBT6 are alternately disposed in the direction D1 when seen in a planview. In the conductive line ML2, the bent portion BT7 and the bentportion BT8 are alternately disposed in the direction D1 when seen in aplan view.

As shown in FIG. 23, the conductive line ML1 includes a plurality ofextending portions EX5 and a plurality of extending portions EX6. Eachof the plurality of extending portions EX5 extends while inclining toone side (left side in FIG. 23) in the direction D2 with respect to thedirection D1 when seen in a plan view. Also, each of the plurality ofextending portions EX6 extends while inclining to the side opposite tothe one side (right side in FIG. 23) in the direction D2 with respect tothe direction D1 when seen in a plan view. The extending portions EX5and the extending portions EX6 are alternately arranged in the directionD1 when seen in a plan view. Further, end portions of the extendingportions EX5 and the extending portions EX6 which are adjacent to eachother in the direction D1 are coupled. In this manner, the plurality ofextending portions EX5 and the plurality of extending portions EX6 areintegrated as conductive lines ML1.

As shown in FIG. 23, the conductive line ML2 includes a plurality ofextending portions EX7 and a plurality of extending portions EX8. Eachof the plurality of extending portions EX7 extends while inclining tothe side opposite to the one side (right side in FIG. 23) in thedirection D2 with respect to the direction D1 when seen in a plan view.Also, each of the plurality of extending portions EX8 extends whileinclining to the one side (left side in FIG. 23) in the direction D2with respect to the direction D1 when seen in a plan view. The extendingportions EX7 and the extending portions EX8 are alternately arranged inthe direction D1 when seen in a plan view. Further, end portions of theextending portions EX7 and the extending portions EX8 which are adjacentto each other in the direction D1 are coupled. In this manner, theplurality of extending portions EX7 and the plurality of extendingportions EX8 are integrated as conductive lines ML2.

Further, each of the plurality of bent portions BT7 of the conductiveline ML2 is coupled to each of the plurality of bent portions BT5 of theconductive line ML1. Consequently, the conductive line ML1 and theconductive line ML2 are integrated.

In FIG. 23, three conductive lines ML1 and three conductive lines ML2are shown. In the example shown in FIG. 23, each of the three conductivelines ML1 includes a bent portion BT51 and a bent portion BT52 as theplurality of bent portions BT5 and a bent portion BT61 and a bentportion BT62 as the plurality of bent portions BT6. The bent portionBT51 bends in a direction D51 which is inclined to one side (left sidein FIG. 23) in the direction D2 with respect to the direction D1 whenseen in a plan view. The bent portion BT61 bends in a direction D61which is inclined to the side opposite to the one side (right side inFIG. 23) in the direction D2 with respect to the direction D1 when seenin a plan view. The bent portion BT52 bends in a direction D52 which isinclined to one side (left side in FIG. 23) in the direction D2 withrespect to the direction D1 when seen in a plan view. The bent portionBT62 bends in a direction D62 which is inclined to the side opposite tothe one side (right side in FIG. 23) in the direction D2 with respect tothe direction D1 when seen in a plan view.

In the example shown in FIG. 23, the direction D52 is an identical,namely, parallel direction to the direction D51, and the direction D62is an identical, namely, parallel direction to the direction D61.

Note that an angle formed by the direction D51 and the direction D1 isdefined as an angle θ51, an angle formed by the direction D52 and thedirection D1 is defined as an angle θ52, an angle formed by thedirection D61 and the direction D1 is defined as an angle θ61 and anangle formed by the direction D62 and the direction D1 is defined as anangle θ62.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 23, each of the three conductivelines ML2 includes a bent portion BT71 and a bent portion BT72 as theplurality of bent portions BT7 and a bent portion BT81 and a bentportion BT82 as the plurality of bent portions BT8. The bent portionBT71 bends in a direction D71 which is inclined to the side opposite tothe one side (right side in FIG. 23) in the direction D2 with respect tothe direction D1 when seen in a plan view. The bent portion BT81 bendsin a direction D81 which is inclined to the one side (left side in FIG.23) in the direction D2 with respect to the direction D1 when seen in aplan view. The bent portion BT72 bends in a direction D72 which isinclined to the side opposite to the one side (right side in FIG. 23) inthe direction D2 with respect to the direction D1 when seen in a planview. The bent portion BT82 bends in a direction D82 which is inclinedto the one side (left side in FIG. 23) in the direction D2 with respectto the direction D1 when seen in a plan view.

In the example shown in FIG. 23, the direction D72 is an identical,namely, parallel direction to the direction D71, and the direction D82is an identical, namely, parallel direction to the direction D81.

Note that an angle formed by the direction D71 and the direction D1 isdefined as an angle θ71, an angle formed by the direction D72 and thedirection D1 is defined as an angle θ72, an angle formed by thedirection D81 and the direction D1 is defined as an angle θ81 and anangle formed by the direction D82 and the direction D1 is defined as anangle θ82.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 23, each of the conductive linesML1 includes an extending portion EX51 and an extending portion EX52 asthe plurality of extending portions EX5 and an extending portion EX61and an extending portion EX62 as the plurality of extending portionsEX6. The extending portion EX51 extends in the direction D51 when seenin a plan view, the extending portion EX61 extends in the direction D61when seen in a plan view, the extending portion EX52 extends in thedirection D52 when seen in a plan view and the extending portion EX62extends in the direction D62 when seen in a plan view. In the exampleshown in FIG. 23, the direction D52 is an identical, namely, paralleldirection to the direction D51, and the direction D62 is an identical,namely, parallel direction to the direction D61 as described above.Therefore, the extending portion EX51 and the extending portion EX52 areparallel to each other and the extending portion EX61 and the extendingportion EX62 are parallel to each other.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 23, each of the conductive linesML2 includes an extending portion EX71 and an extending portion EX72 asthe plurality of extending portions EX7 and an extending portion EX81and an extending portion EX82 as the plurality of extending portionsEX8. The extending portion EX71 extends in the direction D71 when seenin a plan view, the extending portion EX81 extends in the direction D81when seen in a plan view, the extending portion EX72 extends in thedirection D72 when seen in a plan view and the extending portion EX82extends in the direction D82 when seen in a plan view. In the exampleshown in FIG. 23, the direction D72 is an identical, namely, paralleldirection to the direction D71, and the direction D82 is an identical,namely, parallel direction to the direction D81 as described above.Therefore, the extending portion EX71 and the extending portion EX72 areparallel to each other and the extending portion EX81 and the extendingportion EX82 are parallel to each other.

In such a case, as shown in FIG. 23, the conductive line group MLGformed by integrating the conductive lines ML1 and the conductive linesML2 has a diamond-like shape formed by the extending portions EX51, theextending portions EX61, the extending portions EX71 and the extendingportions EX81. Further, the conductive line group MLG formed byintegrating the conductive lines ML1 and the conductive lines ML2 has adiamond-like shape formed by the extending portions EX52, the extendingportions EX62, the extending portions EX72 and the extending portionsEX82.

Note that the direction D52 may also be a direction different from thedirection D51, namely, a direction which intersects the direction D51,and the direction D62 may also be a direction different from thedirection D61, namely, a direction which intersects the direction D61.More specifically, the extending portion EX51 and the extending portionEX52 need not to be parallel to each other and the extending portionEX61 and the extending portion EX62 need not to be parallel to eachother. Alternatively, the direction D72 may also be a directiondifferent from the direction D71, namely, a direction which intersectsthe direction D71, and the direction D82 may also be a directiondifferent from the direction D81, namely, a direction which intersectsthe direction D81. More specifically, the extending portion EX71 and theextending portion EX72 need not to be parallel to each other and theextending portion EX81 and the extending portion EX82 need not to beparallel to each other. The example like this is shown in FIG. 24. FIG.24 is a plan view schematically showing another example of the detectingelectrode in the display device according to the first modified exampleof the first embodiment.

By coupling and integrating the conductive lines ML1 and the conductivelines ML2 in this manner, for example, even when the conductive linesML1 are partially disconnected, it is possible to make current flowwhile bypassing the conductive lines ML2, and the detection by thedetecting electrodes TDL can be performed. Alternatively, even when theconductive lines ML2 are partially disconnected, it is possible to makecurrent flow while bypassing the conductive lines ML1, and the detectionby the detecting electrodes TDL can be performed. It is accordinglypossible to prevent or suppress the degradation in the detectingsensitivity by the detecting electrodes TDL due to the partialdisconnection of the conductive lines ML1 or the conductive lines ML2.

Alternatively, in the example shown in FIG. 23, the extending portionsEX51 may be defined as conductive lines ML3 which extend in thedirection D51, the extending portions EX81 and the extending portionsEX52 may be integrated and defined as conductive lines ML3 which extendin the direction D51 which is identical to the direction D81 and thedirection D52, and the extending portions EX82 may be defined asconductive lines ML3 which extend in the direction D51 which isidentical to the direction D82. On the other hand, the extendingportions EX71 may be defined as conductive lines ML4 which extend in thedirection D71, the extending portions EX61 and the extending portionsEX72 may be integrated and defined as conductive lines ML4 which extendin the direction D71 which is identical to the direction D61 and thedirection D72, and the extending portions EX62 may be defined asconductive lines ML4 which extend in the direction D71 which isidentical to the direction D62.

At this time, each of the plurality of detecting electrodes TDL includesa plurality of conductive lines ML3 which extend in the direction D51and are arranged in the direction D1 which intersects the direction D51and a plurality of conductive lines ML4 which extend in the directionD71 which intersects both of the direction D51 and the direction D1 andare arranged in the direction D1. The plurality of conductive lines ML3and the plurality of conductive lines ML4 intersect each other when seenin a plan view. Further, each of the plurality of detecting electrodesTDL has a mesh-like shape formed by the plurality of conductive linesML3 and the plurality of conductive lines ML4 which intersect each otherwhen seen in a plan view.

For example, it is also possible to form the plurality of conductivelines ML3 and then form the plurality of conductive lines ML4. At thistime, it is preferable that each of the plurality of conductive linesML3 includes a metal layer or an alloy layer like the conductive linesML of the first embodiment and each of the plurality of conductive linesML4 includes a metal layer or an alloy layer like the conductive linesML of the first embodiment. Further, it is preferable that each of theplurality of conductive lines ML3 and each of the plurality ofconductive lines ML4 are electrically connected at intersecting portionsat which each of the plurality of conductive lines ML3 and each of theplurality of conductive lines ML4 intersect each other when seen in aplan view. Accordingly, each of the metal layer or alloy layer includedin each of the plurality of conductive lines ML4 may be formed in thesame layer as the metal layer or alloy layer included in each of theplurality of conductive lines ML3, and may be formed in, for example, alayer immediately above the metal layer or alloy layer included in eachof the plurality of conductive lines ML3.

In the example shown in FIG. 22, each of the plurality of detectingelectrodes TDL includes a plurality of connecting portions CNB1, aplurality of connecting portions CNT1, a connecting portion CNB2 and aconnecting portion CNT2. Each of the plurality of connecting portionsCNB1 electrically connects end portions MLE1 of adjacent conductivelines ML1 and conductive lines ML2 on one side (lower side in FIG. 22)in the direction D1. Each of the plurality of connecting portions CNT1electrically connects end portions MLE2 of adjacent conductive lines ML1and conductive lines ML2 on the side opposite to the one side (upperside in FIG. 22) in the direction D1. The connecting portion CNB2electrically connects the plurality of connecting portions CNB1 and theconnecting portion CNT2 electrically connects the plurality ofconnecting portions CNT1.

The connecting portion CNB2 is connected with the touch detection unit40 shown in FIG. 1 via the detection wiring TDG. Also, the conductivelines ML1 and the conductive lines ML2 included in the detectingelectrodes TDL are electrically connected with the connecting portionCNB2 via the connecting portion CNB1. Accordingly, the conductive linesML1 and the conductive lines ML2 included in the detecting electrodesTDL are connected with the touch detection unit 40 shown in FIG. 1 viathe connecting portions CNB1, the connecting portion CNB2 and thedetection wiring TDG.

As described above, the detecting electrodes TDL can include theconductive line group MLG made up of the conductive lines ML1 and theconductive lines ML2 arranged in the direction D2. Consequently, sinceit is possible to reduce the electric resistance of the detectingelectrodes TDL, the detecting sensitivity or the detecting speed whenperforming the detection operations by the detecting electrodes TDL canbe improved.

The display device 1 of the present first modified example alsopreferably includes a plurality of dummy electrodes TDD like the displaydevice 1 of the first embodiment. Each of the plurality of dummyelectrodes TDD is provided in a region AR2 corresponding to the regionother than a region AR1 in which the conductive line group MLG made upof the conductive lines ML1 and the conductive lines ML2 is formed inthe display region Ad, that is, in the region AR2 in which theconductive line group MLG is not formed in the display region Ad. Inother words, each of the plurality of dummy electrodes TDD is providedin the display region Ad between the conductive lines ML1 and theconductive lines ML2 which are formed apart from each other.Alternatively, each of the plurality of dummy electrodes is provided soas to be separate from all of the plurality of detecting electrodes TDLin the display region Ad. Note that it is not necessary to provide aplurality of dummy electrodes TDD, and only one dummy electrode may beprovided. Further, the shape and material of the dummy electrodes TDDmay be similar to the shape and material of the dummy electrodes TDD ofthe display device 1 of the first embodiment, and the descriptionsthereof will be omitted.

Also in the display device 1 of the present first modified example, byforming the dummy electrodes TDD in the region AR2 in which theconductive lines ML1 and the conductive lines ML2 with light-shieldingproperties are not formed, it is possible to prevent or suppress theoccurrence of the case in which the transmittance with respect tovisible light in the entire region AR2 becomes larger than thetransmittance with respect to visible light in the entire region AR1.Consequently, it becomes possible to prevent or suppress the differencein brightness from occurring between the region AR1 and the region AR2,and it is possible to prevent or suppress the detecting electrodes TDLfrom being recognized.

FIG. 25 is a plan view schematically showing one example of arelationship between positions of detecting electrodes and positions ofpixels in the display device according to the first modified example ofthe first embodiment.

Also in the present first modified example, the plurality of pixels Pixare arranged in a matrix form in the X axis direction and the Y axisdirection in the display region Ad like the first embodiment. In theexample shown in FIG. 25, the pixel Pix includes a plurality ofsub-pixels SPix respectively corresponding to each of the color regions32R, 32G and 32B of the three colors of R (red), G (green) and B (blue).Accordingly, the plurality of sub-pixels SPix are arranged in a matrixform in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction in the displayregion Ad. Note that the kinds of colors displayed by the sub-pixelsSPix are not limited to three kinds. For example, the pixel Pix mayinclude four types of sub-pixels SPix displaying each of the four colorsof R (red), G (green), B (blue) and W (white).

The plurality of sub-pixels SPix are arranged in a matrix form in thedirection in which the scanning line GCL extends (X axis direction) andthe direction in which the signal line SGL extends (Y axis direction).The scanning lines GCL and the signal lines SGL or light-shieldingportions BM1 and BM2 (see FIG. 27 to be described later) which areformed so as to cover the scanning lines GCL and the signal lines SGLsuppress the transmission of light. Accordingly, in the images displayedin the display region Ad, the pattern of the scanning lines GCL or thepattern of the signal lines SGL may interfere with the pattern of thedetecting electrodes TDL, so that a light and shade stripe pattern suchas a moire pattern is observed, and there is the fear that thevisibility of the image displayed in the display region Ad is degraded.

In the example shown in FIG. 25, the direction D1 in which theconductive lines ML extend as a whole is a direction which is identical,namely, parallel to the Y axis direction in which the sub-pixels SPixare arranged. However, in the display device 1 according to the presentfirst modified example of the first embodiment, the conductive lines ML1preferably include extending portions EX51 (see FIG. 23) which extendin, for example, the direction D51 which intersects both of the X axisdirection and the Y axis direction. Further, the conductive lines ML2include extending portions EX71 (see FIG. 23) which extend in, forexample, the direction D71 which intersects both of the X axis directionand the Y axis direction. Then, an angle formed by the direction D51 inwhich the extending portions EX51 extend and the Y axis direction inwhich the sub-pixels SPix are arranged is an angle θ51, and an angleformed by the direction D71 in which the extending portions EX71 extendand the Y axis direction in which the sub-pixels SPix are arranged is anangle θ71.

The angle θ51 and the angle θ71 are set to proper angles which arelarger than 0 degree and smaller than 90 degrees. At this time, theconductive lines ML1 include portions which extend in the direction D51which intersects both of the X axis direction and the Y axis directionwhen seen in a plan view, and the conductive lines ML2 include portionswhich extend in the direction D71 which intersects both of the X axisdirection and the Y axis direction when seen in a plan view.Consequently, it is possible to prevent or suppress the occurrence ofthe case in which the pattern of the scanning lines GCL or the patternof the signal lines SGL interferes with the pattern of the detectingelectrodes TDL and a light and shade stripe pattern such as a moirepattern is observed.

On the other hand, the direction D1 in which each of the conductivelines ML1 and the conductive lines ML2 extend as a whole may also be adirection different from the Y axis direction in which the sub-pixelsSPix are arranged, namely, a direction which intersects the Y axisdirection. The example like this is shown in FIG. 26. FIG. 26 is a planview schematically showing another example of a relationship betweenpositions of detecting electrodes and positions of pixels in the displaydevice according to the first modified example of the first embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 26, the direction D2 in which theconductive lines ML1 and the conductive lines ML2 are arranged is adirection different from the X axis direction in which the sub-pixelsSPix are arranged, namely, a direction which intersects the X axisdirection. Consequently, a direction of periodicity of colordistribution based on the arrangement of the sub-pixels SPix differsfrom a direction of periodicity of transmittance distribution based onthe arrangement of the conductive lines ML1 and the conductive linesML2. Accordingly, by arranging the conductive lines ML1 and theconductive lines ML2 with light-shielding properties, it is possible toprevent or suppress the occurrence of the case in which only the pixelsexpressing one of the plurality of colors are shielded, resulting in thevariations in color tone.

Further, as shown in FIG. 26, end portions of the extending portions EX3and the extending portions EX4 which are adjacent to each other in thedirection D1 may be coupled with each other in a part of the displayregion Ad. In such a case, the positional accuracy detected by thedetecting electrodes TDL is slightly degraded when compared with thecase in which the end portions of the extending portions EX3 and theextending portions EX4 which are adjacent to each other in the directionD1 are not coupled with each other in the entire display region Ad asshown in FIG. 25. However, the positional accuracy detected by thedetecting electrodes TDL can be improved when compared with the case inwhich the end portions of the extending portions EX3 and the extendingportions EX4 which are adjacent to each other in the direction D1 arecoupled with each other in the entire display region Ad.

In the example shown in FIG. 26, in one dummy electrode TDD, one end ofthe extending portion EX3 in the direction D1 is connected with an endportion of the extending portion EX4 which is positioned on the one sideof the extending portion EX3 in the direction D1. However, an end of theextending portion EX3 on the side opposite to the one side in thedirection D1 is not connected with an end portion of the extendingportion EX4 which is positioned on the side opposite to the one side ofthe extending portion EX3 in the direction D1.

<Area Ratio of Detecting Electrodes and Dummy Electrodes>

FIG. 27 is a plan view schematically showing one example of arelationship between positions of sub-pixels and positions of detectingelectrodes in the display device according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 27, a sub-pixel SPix which overlaps any of theplurality of detecting electrodes TDL and the plurality dummy electrodesTDD when seen in a plan view from among the plurality of sub-pixels SPixwill be considered. A width of the sub-pixel SPix in the X axisdirection is defined as a width WD1 and a length of the sub-pixel SPixin the Y axis direction is defined as a length LN1. Also, the width WD1of the sub-pixel SPix in the X axis direction is defined to be smallerthan the length LN1 of the sub-pixel SPix in the Y axis direction. Atthis time, an area S1 of one sub-pixel SPix is given by the followingequation (1):S1=WD1×LN1  (1)

On the other hand, an area of a portion PRT1 of the one sub-pixel SPixwhich overlaps any of the plurality of detecting electrodes TDL and theplurality dummy electrodes TDD when seen in a plan view is defined as anarea S2, and an a ratio of the area S2 to the area S1 of the sub-pixelSPix is defined as a ratio R1. At this time, the ratio R1 is given bythe following equation (2):R1=S2/S1  (2)

Note that, as shown in FIG. 27, the display device 1 includes aplurality of light-shielding portions BM1 and a plurality oflight-shielding portions BM2. Each of the plurality of light-shieldingportions BM1 is formed so as to overlap the scanning lines GCL (see FIG.15) when seen in a plan view, extends in the X axis direction and haslight-shielding properties with respect to visible light. Each of theplurality of light-shielding portions BM2 is formed so as to overlap thesignal lines SGL (see FIG. 15) when seen in a plan view, extends in theY axis direction and has light-shielding properties with respect tovisible light. The plurality of light-shielding portions BM1 and theplurality of light-shielding portions BM2 intersect each other when seenin a plan view, and the plurality of light-shielding portions BM1 andthe plurality of light-shielding portions BM2 which intersect each otherwhen seen in a plan view have a lattice-like shape. Also, each of theplurality of sub-pixels SPix is demarcated by the plurality oflight-shielding portions BM1 and the plurality of light-shieldingportions BM2 which intersect each other when seen in a plan view andhave a lattice-like shape. Accordingly, the area S1 of the sub-pixelSPix indicates an area of a region which is surrounded by thelight-shielding portions BM1 and the light-shielding portions BM2 anddoes not include the area of the light-shielding portions BM1 and thearea of the light-shielding portions BM2.

Note that the area S2 of a sub-pixel SPix which does not overlap any ofthe plurality of detecting electrodes TDL and does not overlap any ofthe plurality of dummy electrodes TDD is zero. Accordingly, the ratio R1which is given by the above equation (2) is zero.

In the entire display region Ad, the total sum of the areas S1 of eachof the plurality of sub-pixels SPix arranged in a matrix form in the Xaxis direction and the Y axis direction is defined as an area S3. Then,in the entire display region Ad, the total sum of the areas of theportions PRT1 in the plurality of sub-pixels SPix which overlap any ofthe plurality of detecting electrodes TDL and the plurality dummyelectrodes TDD when seen in a plan view is defined as an area S4, and aratio of the area S4 to the area S3 is defined as an area ratio R2. Atthis time, the area ratio R2 is given by the following equation (3):R2=S4/S3  (3)

In the display device 1 according to the present first embodiment, thearea ratio R2 given by the above equation (3) is 1 to 22%. Morespecifically, in the display device 1 according to the present firstembodiment, the ratio of total sum of the areas of portions of theplurality of sub-pixels SPix that overlap any of the plurality ofdetecting electrodes TDL and the plurality of dummy electrodes TDD whenseen in a plan view to total sum of the areas of the plurality ofsub-pixels SPix is 1 to 22%. Consequently, as described above, even whenthe transmittance of the plurality of conductive lines ML themselveswith respect to visible light is 10% or less, the transmittance of theentire display region Ad, namely, the transmittance of the displaydevice 1 can be made to be 90% or more. Further, it is possible toprevent or suppress the detected values of the detecting signals Vdet(see FIG. 6) from being small. Accordingly, in a display device providedwith an input device, the transmittance of the display region withrespect to visible light can be improved and the detection performanceof the input device can be improved.

Note that it is also possible to provide only the detecting electrodesTDL in the display region Ad without providing any dummy electrodes TDD.At this time, the area S2 is an area of a portion PRT1 of one sub-pixelSPix which overlaps any of the plurality of detecting electrodes TDLwhen seen in a plan view, and the area S4 is total sum of the areas ofportions PRT1 of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix which overlap any ofthe plurality of detecting electrodes TDL when seen in a plan view.Also, the area ratio R2 is a ratio of total sum of the areas of portionsof the plurality of sub-pixels SPix which overlap any of the pluralityof detecting electrodes TDL when seen in a plan view to total sum of theareas of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix. Further, also in the casewhere no dummy electrodes TDD are provided and only the detectingelectrodes TDL are provided, the area ratio R2 is similarly 1 to 22%.More specifically, a preferable range for the area ratio R2 in the casewhere no dummy electrodes TDD are provided and only the detectingelectrodes TDL are provided is the same as the preferable range for thearea ratio R2 in the case where the detecting electrodes TDL and thedummy electrodes TDD are provided.

<Area Ratio in Display Device of First Embodiment>

Next, a preferable range for the area ratio in the case of the displaydevice 1 according to the first embodiment, namely, in the case wherethe detecting electrodes include conductive lines having a zigzag shapewill be described. Here, a plurality of display devices were preparedsuch that the area ratios R2 fell within the range from 0.49 to 24.58%.Then, the display devices were used to evaluate transmittance in thedisplay region Ad, detected values of the detecting signals andvisibility.

The cases with the area ratio R2 of less than 1% were defined asComparative Examples 1 to 3, the cases with the area ratio R2 of 1 to22% were defined as Examples 1 to 25 and the cases with the area ratioR2 of more than 22% were defined as Comparative Examples 4 to 6. Forevaluating the visibility, whether or not the visibility was favorablewithout causing any problems in the image displayed in the displayregion Ad due to visible light being reflected by the detectingelectrodes TDL or the dummy electrodes TDD, namely, whether or not thereflection appearance was favorable was evaluated.

Concretely, when the detecting electrodes TDL had a zigzag shape, it wasevaluated whether or not the detecting electrodes TDL or the dummyelectrodes TDD appeared in a stripe shape, that is, in a linear shape,namely, whether reflection stripes were observed in the image displayedin the display region Ad due to the reflection of the visible light bythe detecting electrodes TDL or the dummy electrodes TDD. The evaluationresults are shown in Table 1. Also, the relationship between the arearatios and the detected values in Table 1 is shown in the graph of FIG.28. The horizontal axis of FIG. 28 represents the area ratio R2 and thelongitudinal axis of FIG. 28 represents the detected value.

TABLE 1 Area Transmit- Detected ratio tance value Evaluation of (%) (%)(a.u.) Visibility Comparative 0.49 99.8 54 ⊚ Example 1 Comparative 0.7899.6 81 ⊚ Example 2 Comparative 0.97 99.5 92 ⊚ Example 3 Example 1 1.0499.5 101 ⊚ Example 2 1.11 99.4 115 ⊚ Example 3 1.23 99.4 120 ⊚ Example 41.34 99.3 121 ⊚ Example 5 1.55 99.2 122 ⊚ Example 6 1.92 99.0 120 ⊚Example 7 2.11 99.2 124 ⊚ Example 8 2.43 98.8 121 ⊚ Example 9 2.52 98.6123 ⊚ Example 10 3.71 98.3 123 ⊚ Example 11 4.29 98.2 120 ⊚ Example 124.89 97.9 120 ⊚ Example 13 5.13 97.4 123 ◯ (Reflection stripe) Example14 5.91 97.7 121 ◯ (Reflection stripe) Example 15 6.99 97.5 122 ◯(Reflection stripe) Example 16 8.06 97.2 124 ◯ (Reflection stripe)Example 17 9.48 96.4 120 ◯ (Reflection stripe) Example 18 10.31 95.8 123◯ (Reflection stripe) Example 19 10.89 95.3 121 ◯ (Reflection stripe)Example 20 11.41 95.2 120 Δ (Reflection stripe) Example 21 12.58 94.2123 Δ (Reflection stripe) Example 22 14.99 93.5 121 Δ (Reflectionstripe) Example 23 17.65 91.8 122 Δ (Reflection stripe) Example 24 19.6191.1 124 Δ (Reflection stripe) Example 25 21.88 90.3 125 Δ (Reflectionstripe) Comparative 22.13 89.9 124 Δ (Reflection stripe) Example 4Comparative 23.78 89.1 122 Δ (Reflection stripe) Example 5 Comparative24.58 88.7 123 Δ (Reflection stripe) Example 6

In Table 1, the cases in which no reflection stripes were observed inthe image displayed in the display region Ad and the visibility of theimage was favorable are indicated by double circle “⊚”. Also, the casesin which some reflection stripes were observed in the image displayed inthe display region Ad but the reflection stripes were not noticeable andthe visibility of the image was acceptable are indicated by circle “◯(Reflection stripe)”. Further, the cases in which reflection stripeswere observed in the image displayed in the display region Ad, thereflection stripes were noticeable and the visibility of the images wasnot acceptable are indicated by triangle “Δ (Reflection stripe)”.

As shown in Table 1, when the area ratio R2 is 0.49 to 24.58%(Comparative Examples 1 to 3, Examples 1 to 25 and Comparative Examples4 to 6), the transmittance in the display region Ad decreases as thearea ratio R2 increases. More specifically, as the ratio of total sum ofareas of portions of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix which overlap anyof the plurality of detecting electrodes TDL and the plurality of dummyelectrodes TDD when seen in a plan view to total sum of areas of theplurality of sub-pixels SPix increases, the transmittance in the displayregion Ad decreases. On the other hand, it is desirable that thetransmittance in the display region Ad is 90% or more. Accordingly, thearea ratio R2 is preferably 22% or less.

Further, as shown in Table 1 and FIG. 28, when the area ratio R2 is 1.2to 24.58% (Examples 3 to 25 and Comparative Examples 4 to 6), thedetected values are constant regardless of the area ratio R2. This isconsidered to be due to the fact that difference of electrostaticcapacitance between the conductive lines ML and the driving electrodesCOML due to presence/absence of touches is constant regardless of thearea ratio R2 when the area ratio R2 is 1.2 to 24.58%.

However, when the area ratio R2 is 1.0% or more and less than 1.2%(Examples 1 and 2), the detected values start to decrease as the arearatio R2 decreases, and when the area ratio R2 is 0.49% or more and lessthan 1.0% (Comparative Examples 1 to 3), the detected values abruptlydecrease as the area ratio R2 decreases. This is considered to be due tothe fact that the electrostatic capacitance between the conductive linesML and the driving electrodes COML is decreased due to the decrease ofthe area ratio R2 and the intensity of the detecting signals Vdetbecomes small.

Moreover, as shown in Table 1, when the area ratio is 0.49 to 5%(Comparative Examples 1 to 3 and Examples 1 to 12), no reflectionstripes are observed in the image displayed in the display region Ad,and the visibility is favorable. Also, when the area ratio is more than5% and 11% or less (Examples 13 to 19), some reflection stripes areobserved in the image displayed in the display region Ad, but thereflection stripes are not noticeable and the visibility of the image isacceptable. Further, when the area ratio is more than 11% (Examples 20to 25 and Comparative Examples 4 to 6), reflection stripes are observedin the image displayed in the display region Ad, the reflection stripesare noticeable, and the visibility of the image is not acceptable.

From the results of the Comparative Examples 1 to 3, the Examples 1 to25 and the Comparative Examples 4 to 6, the ratio of total sum of areasof portions of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix which overlap any of theplurality of detecting electrodes TDL and the plurality of dummyelectrodes TDD when seen in a plan view to total sum of areas of theplurality of sub-pixels SPix, namely, the area ratio R2 is preferably 1to 22%.

When the area ratio R2 is less than 1%, there is the fear that thedetected values of the detecting signals Vdet are extremely small.Further, when the area ratio R2 is more than 22%, there is the fear thatthe transmittance in the display region Ad becomes less than 90%. On theother hand, by setting the area ratio R2 to be 1 to 22%, it is possibleto achieve the transmittance in the display region Ad of 90% or morewhile preventing the detected values of the detecting signals Vdet frombeing too small. Accordingly, in a display device provided with an inputdevice, the transmittance of the display region with respect to visiblelight can be improved and the detection performance of the input devicecan be improved.

Further, when the detecting electrodes TDL include conductive lines MLwith a zigzag shape, the area ratio R2 is more preferably 1 to 11%.Consequently, it is possible to prevent and suppress the occurrence ofthe case in which reflection stripes are observed in the image displayedin the display region Ad and the visibility of the image is degraded.

Further, when the detecting electrodes TDL include conductive lines MLwith a zigzag shape, the area ratio R2 is even more preferably 1.2 to5%. Consequently, it is possible to further prevent and suppress theoccurrence of the case in which reflection stripes are observed in theimage displayed in the display region Ad and the visibility of the imageis degraded.

Note that, in the Examples 1 to 25 and the Comparative Examples 1 to 6,the area ratio R2 was changed in a state in which the ratio of the areaof the detecting electrodes TDL and the area of the dummy electrodes TDDwas set to 1:2. On the other hand, the same results as theabove-described results were obtained also in the cases in which theratio of the area of the detecting electrodes TDL and the area of thedummy electrodes TDD was changed to various values. Further, also in thecases in which no dummy electrodes TDD were provided and only thedetecting electrodes TDL were provided, the same results as theabove-described results were obtained. Accordingly, the preferable rangefor the area ratio R2 in the case in which no dummy electrodes TDD areprovided and only the detecting electrodes TDL are provided is the sameas the preferable range for the area ratio R2 in the case in which thedetecting electrodes TDL and the dummy electrodes TDD are provided.

Also, the effects which the above-described preferable range for thearea ratio R2 exhibits on transmittance, visibility and detected valuesare more remarkable when an arrangement interval DP1 of the plurality ofsub-pixels SPix in the X axis direction (see FIG. 20) is 45 to 180 μm.Here, the arrangement interval DP1 of the plurality of sub-pixels SPixin the X axis direction (see FIG. 20) is smaller than the arrangementinterval DP2 of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix in the Y axis direction(see FIG. 20). Accordingly, when the display device 1 according to thepresent first embodiment is applied to electronic devices having arelatively small arrangement interval of the sub-pixels SPix such assmartphones as will be described later in the fifth embodiment, theeffects exhibited on visibility when the area ratio R2 is in theabove-described range are extremely large.

<Area Ratio in Display Device of First Modified Example of FirstEmbodiment>

Next, a preferable range for the area ratio in the case of the displaydevice 1 according to the first modified example of the firstembodiment, namely, the case in which the detecting electrodes includeconductive lines having a mesh-like shape will be described. Here, aplurality of display devices were prepared such that the area ratios R2fell within the range from 0.49 to 24.58%. Then, the display deviceswere used to evaluate transmittance in the display region Ad, detectedvalues of the detecting signals and visibility.

The cases with the area ratio R2 of less than 1% were defined asComparative Examples 7 to 9, the cases with the area ratio R2 of 1 to22% were defined as Examples 26 to 50 and the cases with the area ratioR2 of more than 22% were defined as Comparative Examples 10 to 12. Forevaluating the visibility, whether or not the visibility was favorablewithout causing any problems in the image displayed in the displayregion Ad due to visible light being reflected by the detectingelectrodes TDL or the dummy electrodes TDD, namely, whether or not thereflection appearance was favorable was evaluated.

Concretely, when the detecting electrodes had a mesh-like shape, it wasevaluated whether or not the image displayed in the display region Adappeared to be shiny due to reflection of visible light by the detectingelectrodes TDL or the dummy electrodes TDD though no reflection stripeswere observed, namely, whether or not glares were observed. Theevaluation results are shown in Table 2. Also, the relationship betweenthe area ratios and the detected values in Table 2 is shown in the graphof FIG. 29. The horizontal axis of FIG. 29 represents the area ratio R2and the longitudinal axis of FIG. 29 represents the detected value.

TABLE 2 Area Transmit- Detected ratio tance value Evaluation of (%) (%)(a.u.) Visibility Comparative 0.49 99.8 43 ⊚ Example 7 Comparative 0.7899.6 58 ⊚ Example 8 Comparative 0.97 99.5 60 ⊚ Example 9 Example 26 1.0499.5 63 ⊚ Example 27 1.11 99.4 76 ⊚ Example 28 1.23 99.4 80 ⊚ Example 291.34 99.3 85 ⊚ Example 30 1.55 99.2 90 ⊚ Example 31 1.92 99.0 91 ⊚Example 32 2.11 99.2 105 ⊚ Example 33 2.43 98.8 108 ⊚ Example 34 2.5298.6 113 ⊚ Example 35 3.71 98.3 114 ⊚ Example 36 4.29 98.2 110 ⊚ Example37 4.89 97.9 111 ⊚ Example 38 5.13 97.4 112 ⊚ Example 39 5.91 97.7 109 ⊚Example 40 6.99 97.5 109 ⊚ Example 41 8.06 97.2 112 ⊚ Example 42 9.4896.4 112 ⊚ Example 43 10.31 95.8 114 ⊚ Example 44 10.89 95.3 115 ⊚Example 45 11.41 95.2 112 ◯ (Glare) Example 46 12.58 94.2 115 ◯ (Glare)Example 47 14.99 93.5 118 ◯ (Glare) Example 48 17.65 91.8 112 ◯ (Glare)Example 49 19.61 91.1 119 ◯ (Glare) Example 50 21.88 90.3 111 ◯ (Glare)Comparative 22.13 89.9 113 ◯ (Glare) Example 10 Comparative 23.78 89.1114 ◯ (Glare) Example 11 Comparative 24.58 88.7 116 ◯ (Glare) Example 12

In Table 2, the cases in which no glares were observed in the imagedisplayed in the display region Ad and the visibility of the image wasfavorable are indicated by double circle “⊚”. Also, the cases in whichsome glares were observed in the image displayed in the display regionAd but the glares were not noticeable and the visibility of the imagewas acceptable are indicated by circle “◯ (Glare)”.

As shown in Table 2, when the area ratio R2 is 0.49 to 24.58%(Comparative Examples 7 to 9, Examples 26 to 50 and Comparative Examples10 to 12), the transmittance in the display region Ad decreases as thearea ratio R2 increases. More specifically, as the ratio of total sum ofareas of portions of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix which overlap anyof the plurality of detecting electrodes TDL and the plurality of dummyelectrodes TDD when seen in a plan view to total sum of areas of theplurality of sub-pixels SPix increases, the transmittance in the displayregion Ad decreases. On the other hand, it is desirable that thetransmittance in the display region Ad is 90% or more. Accordingly, thearea ratio R2 is preferably 22% or less.

Further, as shown in Table 2 and FIG. 29, when the area ratio R2 is 2.5to 24.58% (Examples 34 to 50 and Comparative Examples 10 to 12), thedetected values are constant regardless of the area ratio R2. This isconsidered to be due to the fact that difference of electrostaticcapacitance between each of the conductive lines ML1 and the conductivelines ML2 and the driving electrodes COML due to presence/absence oftouches is constant regardless of the area ratio R2 when the area ratioR2 is 2.5 to 24.58%.

However, when the area ratio R2 is 2.0% or more and less than 2.5%(Examples 32 and 33), the detected values start to decrease as the arearatio R2 decreases. Also, when the area ratio R2 is 1.0% or more andless than 2.0% (Examples 26 to 31), the detected values graduallydecrease as the area ratio R2 decreases. Further, when the area ratio R2is 0.49% or more and less than 1.0% (Comparative Examples 7 to 9), thedetected values abruptly decrease as the area ratio R2 decreases. Thisis considered to be due to the fact that the electrostatic capacitancebetween each of the conductive lines ML1 and the conductive lines ML2and the driving electrodes COML is decreased due to the decrease of thearea ratio R2 and the intensity of the detecting signals Vdet becomessmall.

Moreover, as shown in Table 2, when the area ratio is 0.49 to 11%(Comparative Examples 7 to 9 and Examples 26 to 44), no glares areobserved in the image displayed in the display region Ad, and thevisibility is favorable. Also, when the area ratio is more than 11% and24.58% or less (Examples 45 to 50 and Comparative Examples 10 to 12),some glares are observed in the image displayed in the display region Adbut the glares are not noticeable and the visibility of the image isacceptable. This is considered to be due to the fact that, when thedetecting electrodes TDL have a mesh-like shape, no reflection stripesare observed, so that the visibility of the image is likely to beacceptable.

From the results of the Comparative Examples 7 to 9, the Examples 26 to50 and the Comparative Examples 10 to 12, the ratio of total sum ofareas of portions of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix which overlap anyof the plurality of detecting electrodes TDL and the plurality of dummyelectrodes TDD when seen in a plan view to total sum of areas of theplurality of sub-pixels SPix, namely, the area ratio R2 is preferably 1to 22%.

When the area ratio R2 is less than 1%, there is the fear that thedetected values of the detecting signals Vdet are extremely small.Further, when the area ratio R2 is more than 22%, there is the fear thatthe transmittance in the display region Ad becomes less than 90%. On theother hand, by setting the area ratio R2 to be 1 to 22%, it is possibleto achieve the transmittance in the display region Ad of 90% or morewhile preventing the detected values of the detecting signals Vdet frombeing too small. Accordingly, in a display device provided with an inputdevice, the transmittance of the display region with respect to visiblelight can be improved and the detection performance of the input devicecan be improved.

Also, when the detecting electrodes TDL include conductive lines ML witha mesh-like shape, the area ratio R2 is more preferably 2 to 22%.Consequently, the detected values of the detecting signals Vdet can beincreased.

Further, when the detecting electrodes TDL include conductive lines MLwith a mesh-like shape, the area ratio R2 is even more preferably 2.5 to11%. Consequently, it is possible to prevent and suppress the occurrenceof the case in which glares are observed in the image displayed in thedisplay region Ad and the visibility of the image is degraded.

Note that, in the Examples 26 to 50 and the Comparative Examples 7 to12, the area ratio R2 was changed in a state in which the ratio of thearea of the detecting electrodes TDL and the area of the dummyelectrodes TDD was set to 1:2. Also, the same results as theabove-described results were obtained also in the cases in which theratio of the area of the detecting electrodes TDL and the area of thedummy electrodes TDD was changed to various values. Further, also in thecases in which no dummy electrodes TDD were provided and only thedetecting electrodes TDL were provided, the same results as theabove-described results were obtained. Accordingly, the preferable rangefor the area ratio R2 in the case in which no dummy electrodes TDD areprovided and only the detecting electrodes TDL are provided is the sameas the preferable range for the area ratio R2 in the case in which thedetecting electrodes TDL and the dummy electrodes TDD are provided.

Also, the effects which the above-described preferable range for thearea ratio R2 exhibits on transmittance, visibility and detected valuesare more remarkable when an arrangement interval DP1 of the plurality ofsub-pixels SPix in the X axis direction (see FIG. 25) is 45 to 180 μm.Here, the arrangement interval DP1 of the plurality of sub-pixels SPixin the X axis direction (see FIG. 25) is smaller than the arrangementinterval DP2 of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix in the Y axis direction(see FIG. 25). Accordingly, when the display device 1 according to thepresent first modified example of the first embodiment is applied toelectronic devices having a relatively small arrangement interval of thesub-pixels SPix such as smartphones as will be described later in thefifth embodiment, the effects exhibited on visibility when the arearatio R2 is in the above-described range are extremely large.

<Width of Conductive Lines>

Next, the range for the line width LW1 of the conductive lines ML in thecase of the display device 1 according to the present first embodiment,namely, the case in which the detecting electrodes TDL includeconductive lines ML with a zigzag shape will be described. Here, aplurality of display devices were prepared such that the line widths LW1fell within the range from 1 to 7.5 μm. Then, the display devices wereused to evaluate resistance values of the conductive lines andvisibility.

The cases with the line width LW1 of less than 2 μm were defined asComparative Examples 13 and 14, the cases with the line width LW1 of 2to 7 μm were defined as Examples 51 to 57 and the case with the linewidth LW1 of more than 7 μm was defined as Comparative Example 15.Further, display devices whose intervals between conductive lines MLwere changed to nine values in the range of 45 to 206 μm were preparedfor each of the display devices of the Comparative Examples 13 and 14,the Examples 51 to 57 and the Comparative Example 15. Then, forevaluating the visibility, whether or not no moire patterns orconductive lines ML were observed and the visibility was favorablewithout causing any problems in the image displayed in the displayregion Ad was evaluated. The evaluation results are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Line width Interval between conductive lines (μm) (μm) 45 51 7783 116 175 186 193 206 Comparative 1 ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ Example 13Comparative 1.5 ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ Example 14 (Conductive line) Example51 2 ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ (Conductive line) Example 52 3 ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ◯ Δ(Moire) (Conductive (Conductive line) line) Example 53 4.5 ◯ ◯ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ◯◯ Δ (Moire) (Moire) (Moire) (Conductive (Conductive (Conductive line)line) line) Example 54 5 ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ⊚ ◯ ◯ ◯ Δ (Moire) (Moire) (Moire)(Moire) (Conductive (Conductive (Conductive (Conductive line) line)line) line) Example 55 5.5 ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Δ (Moire) (Moire) (Moire)(Moire) (Moire) (Conductive (Conductive (Conductive (Conductive line)line) line) line) Example 56 6.5 Δ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Δ (Moire) (Moire)(Moire) (Moire) (Moire) (Conductive (Conductive (Conductive (Conductiveline) line) line) line) Example 57 7 Δ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Δ (Moire) (Moire)(Moire) (Moire) (Moire) (Moire) (Conductive (Conductive (Conductiveline) line) line) Comparative 7.5 Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ Δ ◯ Δ Δ Example 15 (Moire)(Moire) (Moire) (Moire) (Moire) (Moire) (Conductive (Conductive(Conductive line) line) line)

Note that, as shown in FIG. 18, the interval DS1 between the conductivelines ML indicates an arrangement interval of the conductive lines ML inthe width direction of the conductive line ML. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 18, when the arrangement interval of the conductive lines ML in thedirection D2 seen in a plan view is defined as an arrangement intervalDA1 and an angle formed by the direction D11 in which the extendingportions EX11 extend and the direction D1 when seen in a plan view isdefined as an angle θ11, the interval DS1 between the conductive linesML is given by the following equation (4):DS1=DA1×cos θ11  (4)

Further, in Table 3, the cases in which neither moire patterns norconductive lines ML were observed in the image displayed in the displayregion Ad and the visibility of the image was favorable are indicated bydouble circle “⊚”. The cases in which some moire patterns were observedin the image displayed in the display region Ad but the moire patternswere not dense and the visibility of the image was acceptable areindicated by circle “◯ (Moire)”. Also, the cases in which moire patternswere observed in the image displayed in the display region Ad, the moirepatterns were dense and the visibility of the image was not acceptableare indicated by triangle “Δ (Moire)”.

Further, the cases in which some conductive line ML were observed in theimage displayed in the display region Ad but the conductive lines MLwere not recognized as lines and the visibility of the image wasacceptable are indicated by circle “◯ (Conductive line)”. The cases inwhich conductive lines ML were observed in the image displayed in thedisplay region Ad, the conductive lines ML were recognized as lines andthe visibility of the image was not acceptable are indicated by triangle“Δ (Conductive line)”.

On the other hand, the relationship between the line width LW1 of theconductive lines ML and the resistance value of the conductive lines MLof the Comparative Examples 13 and 14, the Examples 51 to 57 and theComparative Example 15 is shown in the graph of FIG. 30. The horizontalaxis of FIG. 30 represents the line width LW1 of the conductive lines MLand the longitudinal axis of FIG. 30 represents the resistance value ofthe conductive lines ML. Here, a resistance value per extending portionEX1 or EX2 (Ω/unit) constituting the conductive line ML (see, forexample, FIG. 18) is shown as the resistance value of the conductiveline ML.

As shown in FIG. 30, when the line width LW1 of the conductive lines MLis 2 to 7.5 μm (Examples 51 to 57 and Comparative Example 15), theresistance value of the conductive lines ML gradually increases as theline width LW1 of the conductive lines ML decreases, but the change ismoderate. Particularly, when the line width LW1 of the conductive linesML is 2.5 to 7.5 μm (Examples 52 to 57 and Comparative Example 15), theresistance value of the conductive lines ML is small when compared withthe case in which the line width LW1 is 2 μm or more and less than 2.5μm (Example 51). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 30, when the linewidth LW1 of the conductive lines ML is less than 2 μm (ComparativeExamples 13 and 14), the resistance value of the conductive lines MLabruptly increases as the line width LW1 of the conductive lines MLdecreases.

Further, as shown in Table 3, when the line width LW1 of the conductivelines ML is more than 7 μm (Comparative Example 15), moire patterns orconductive lines are observed in the image displayed in the displayregion Ad and the visibility of the image in not acceptable in all ofthe cases in which the interval DS1 of the conductive lines ML is 45 to206 μm except the case in which the interval DS1 is 186 μm. Accordingly,in combination with the results of FIG. 30, the width of the conductivelines ML is preferably 2 to 7 μm.

Further, as shown in Table 3, when the line width LW1 of the conductivelines ML is more than 4.5 μm and 7 μm or less (Examples 54 to 57) andthe interval DS1 of the conductive lines ML is in the range from 50 to200 μm, moire patterns or conductive lines are observed in the image,but the moire patterns are not dense or the conductive lines ML are notrecognized as lines. Accordingly, when the interval DS1 of theconductive lines ML is in the range from 50 to 200 μm, the visibility ofthe image displayed in the display region Ad is acceptable. On the otherhand, when the interval DS1 of the conductive lines ML is less than 50μm, the moire patterns become dense and the visibility of the imagedisplayed in the display region Ad is sometimes not acceptable. Further,when the interval DS1 of the conductive lines ML is more than 200 μm,the conductive lines ML are recognized as lines and the visibility ofthe image displayed in the display region Ad is not acceptable.

Moreover, as shown in Table 3, when the line width LW1 of the conductivelines ML is 2 μm to 4.5 μm (Examples 51 to 53), neither moire patternsnor conductive lines ML are observed as the line width LW1 of theconductive lines ML decreases, and the range of the interval DS1 of theconductive lines ML with which the visibility of the image displayed inthe display region Ad becomes favorable expands. More specifically, thevisibility of the image displayed in the display region Ad improves asthe line width LW1 of the conductive lines ML decreases. Particularly,when the interval DS1 of the conductive lines ML is in the range of 80to 180 μm, the visibility of the image displayed in the display regionAd is extremely favorable.

The dependence of the interval DS1 of the conductive lines ML shown inTable 3 may be considered as follows. That is, even when the conductivelines ML1 have the same line width LW1, they are more likely to berecognized as lines with naked eyes as the interval DS1 of theconductive lines ML increases. Further, even when the conductive linesML1 have the same line width LW1, moire patterns generated due to thedifference between the intervals DS1 of the conductive lines ML and thearrangement intervals of the sub-pixels SPix become denser as theinterval DS1 of the conductive lines ML decreases.

From the results of the Comparative Examples 13 and 14, the Examples 51to 57 and the Comparative Example 15, there is the fear that theresistance value of the conductive lines ML is increased when the linewidth LW1 of the conductive lines ML is less than 2 μm. Further, whenthe line width LW1 of the conductive lines ML is more than 7 μm, thereis the fear that moire patterns or conductive lines are observed in theimage displayed in the display region Ad, and the visibility of theimage displayed in the image region Ad is thus degraded.

Further, when the line width LW1 of the conductive lines ML is less than2 μm, there is the fear that the resistance value of the conductivelines ML becomes large or the conductive lines ML are cut at the time ofmanufacturing the conductive lines ML. Alternatively, when the linewidth LW1 of the conductive lines ML is more than 7 μm, moire patternsare more likely to be observed or the conductive lines ML are morelikely to be recognized as lines with naked eyes, so that the conductivelines ML are more likely to be observed.

On the other hand, in the present first embodiment, the line width LW1of the conductive lines ML is preferably 2 to 7 μm. Consequently, theresistance value of the conductive lines ML can be reduced and thevisibility of the image displayed in the image region Ad can beimproved. Further, in a display device provided with an input device,the transmittance of the display region with respect to visible lightcan be improved and the detection performance of the input device can beimproved.

Further, the interval DS1 of the conductive lines ML is preferably 50 to200 μm. Consequently, although some moire patterns or conductive linesmay be observed, the visibility of the image displayed in the displayregion Ad is acceptable.

More preferably, the line width LW1 of the conductive lines ML is 2.5 to4.5 μm. Consequently, neither moire patterns nor conductive lines ML areless likely to be observed in the image displayed in the display regionAd, and the visibility of the image displayed in the display region Adbecomes more favorable. Particularly, when the interval DS1 of theconductive lines ML is 80 to 180 μm, neither moire patterns norconductive lines ML are observed in the image displayed in the displayregion Ad, and the visibility of the image displayed in the displayregion Ad becomes extremely favorable.

Note that the line width of the dummy electrodes TDD is also preferably2 to 7 μm, and more preferably 2.5 to 4.5 μm like the line width LW1 ofthe conductive lines ML.

Further, also in the case of the display device 1 according to the firstmodified example of the first embodiment, namely, when the detectingelectrodes TDL include conductive lines ML1 and conductive lines ML2having a mesh-like shape, the line width of each of the conductive linesML1 and conductive lines ML2 is preferably 2 to 7 μm, and morepreferably 2.5 to 4.5 μm like the display device 1 of the firstembodiment. Moreover, the line width of the dummy electrodes TDDaccording to the first modified example of the first embodiment is alsopreferably 2 to 7 μm, and more preferably 2.5 to 4.5 μm.

Also, the effects which the above-described preferable ranges of theline width LW1 or the interval DS1 of the conductive lines ML exhibit onthe visibility and the resistance values are more remarkable when thearrangement interval DP1 (see FIG. 20) of the plurality of sub-pixelsSPix in the X axis direction is 45 to 180 μm. Here, the arrangementinterval DP1 of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix in the X axis direction(see FIG. 20) is smaller than the arrangement interval DP2 of theplurality of sub-pixels SPix in the Y axis direction (see FIG. 20).Accordingly, when the display device 1 according to the present firstembodiment or the first modified example of the first embodiment isapplied to electronic devices having a relatively small arrangementinterval of the sub-pixels SPix such as smartphones as will be describedlater in the fifth embodiment, the effects exhibited on visibility whenthe conductive lines ML have the line width in the above-described rangebecome extremely large.

<Main Features and Effects of Present Embodiment>

In the present first embodiment and the first modified example of thefirst embodiment, the ratio of total sum of areas of portions of theplurality of sub-pixels SPix which overlap any of the plurality ofdetecting electrodes TDL and the plurality of dummy electrodes TDD whenseen in a plan view to total sum of areas of the plurality of sub-pixelsSPix, namely, the area ratio R2 is preferably 1 to 22%. Further, whenthe detecting electrodes TDL have a zigzag shape, the area ratio R2 ismore preferably 1 to 11%, and even more preferably 1.2 to 5%. On theother hand, when the detecting electrodes TDL have a mesh-like shape,the area ratio R2 is more preferably 2 to 22%, and even more preferably2.5 to 11%.

Consequently, it is possible to achieve the transmittance in the displayregion Ad of 90% or more while preventing the detected values of thedetecting signals from being too small. Also, in a display deviceprovided with an input device, the transmittance of the display regionwith respect to visible light can be improved and the detectionperformance of the input device can be improved.

On the other hand, according to the present first embodiment and thefirst modified example of the first embodiment, the line width LW1 ofthe conductive lines ML is preferably 2 to 7 μm. Further, when thedetecting electrodes TDL have a zigzag shape, the line width LW1 of theconductive lines ML is more preferably 2.5 to 4.5 μm. Moreover, when thedetecting electrodes TDL have a mesh-like shape, the line width LW1 ofthe conductive lines ML is more preferably 2.5 to 4.5 μm. Consequently,it is possible to reduce the resistance value of the conductive linesML, and it is possible to improve the visibility of the image displayedin the display region Ad. Also, in a display device provided with aninput device, the transmittance of the display region with respect tovisible light can be improved and the detection performance of the inputdevice can be improved.

According to the present first embodiment and the first modified exampleof the first embodiment, the example in which the plurality ofsub-pixels SPix are arranged in a matrix form in the display region Adhas been described. However, the plurality of sub-pixels SPix are neednot be arranged in a matrix form, but may be arranged in, for example, alinear form. In such a case, the pixel electrodes 22 are respectivelyprovided in each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix arranged in alinear form, only one driving electrode COML is provided so as tooverlap the plurality of pixel electrodes 22 when seen in a plan view,and a plurality of detecting electrodes TDL are provided at intervals soas to respectively overlap the driving electrode COML when seen in aplan view. Then, based on the electrostatic capacitance of the onedriving electrode COML and each of the plurality of detecting electrodesTDL, input positions in the arrangement direction of the plurality ofsub-pixels SPix arranged in a linear form are detected.

Also in such a case, by satisfying the above-described preferable rangefor the area ratio R2 or the above-described preferable range for theline width LW1, the detected values of the detecting signals can beincreased without degrading the visibility of the image displayed in thedisplay region Ad. Also, in a display device provided with an inputdevice, the transmittance of the display region with respect to visiblelight can be improved and the detection performance of the input devicecan be improved.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the case in whichdriving signals for measuring electrostatic capacitance between thedriving electrodes COML and the detecting electrodes TDL are input tothe driving electrodes COML and detecting signals for detecting inputpositions are output from the detecting electrodes TDL. Accordingly, aswill be described later in the fourth embodiment, driving signals formeasuring the electrostatic capacitance of the detecting electrodes TDLmay be input to the detecting electrodes TDL and detecting signals fordetecting input positions may be output from the detecting electrodesTDL.

Second Embodiment

In the present first embodiment and the first modified example of thefirst embodiment, the case where driving electrodes for driving liquidcrystal and touch panel are provided in the display region has beendescribed. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, although it isan in-cell liquid crystal display device similar to the firstembodiment, driving electrodes which drive the touch panel but do notdrive the liquid crystal are provided apart from driving electrodeswhich drive the liquid crystal in the display region.

In the display device according to the second embodiment, respectivecomponents other than the driving electrodes, for example, the shape andarrangement of the detecting electrodes TDL and the dummy electrodes TDDseen in a plan view are similar to the respective components of thedisplay device of the first embodiment and the first modified example ofthe first embodiment. Therefore, the descriptions thereof will beomitted.

<Positional Relationship Between Driving Electrodes and PixelElectrodes>

FIG. 31 is a plan view showing a driving electrode together with a pixelelectrode in the display device according to the second embodiment. FIG.32 is a sectional view showing the driving electrode together with thepixel electrode in the display device according to the secondembodiment. FIG. 31 shows a configuration of one pixel electrode 22provided within one sub-pixel SPix and its periphery. FIG. 32 is asectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 31. Note that, in FIG.31, the illustration of parts other than the TFT substrate 21, thedriving electrode COML1, the driving electrode COML2, electrodesincluded in the TFT element Tr, the scanning line GCL and the signalline SGL is omitted, and in FIG. 32, the illustration of parts above thepixel electrode 22 and the driving electrode COML2 is omitted.

The configuration of respective layers between the TFT substrate 21 andthe interlayer resin film 23 such as the TFT substrate 21 and the TFTelements Tr may be similar to the configuration of respective layers ofthe display device of the first embodiment described with reference toFIG. 15.

In the second embodiment, the driving electrode COML1 made of aconductive material with translucency with respect to visible light suchas ITO or IZO is formed so as to cover the interlayer resin film 23. Inthe second embodiment, the driving element COML1 operates as a drivingelectrode which drives the liquid crystal layer 6 (see FIG. 9).

The driving electrode COML1 is integrally and continuously formed in theX axis direction so as to overlap the plurality of sub-pixels SPixarranged in the X axis direction when seen in a plan view. Morespecifically, one driving electrode COML1 is provided as a commonelectrode for a plurality of sub-pixels SPix. Accordingly, the drivingelectrode COML1 is also referred to as a common electrode.

A transparent insulating film 24 made of, for example, silicon nitrideor silicon oxide is formed so as to cover the driving electrode COML1.Then, a plurality of pixel electrodes 22 made of a conductive materialwith translucency such as ITO or IZO are formed so as to cover theinsulating film 24. The plurality of pixel electrodes 22 are formed soas to respectively overlap the driving electrode COML1 within each ofthe plurality of sub-pixels SPix when seen in a plan view. In otherwords, the driving electrode COML1 is provided so as to overlap theplurality of pixel electrodes 22 arranged in the X axis direction whenseen in a plan view. More specifically, the driving electrode COML1 andthe pixel electrode 22 oppose each other with the insulating film 24interposed therebetween in each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix.

A contact hole 25 which penetrates through the insulating film 24, theinterlayer resin film 23 and the passivation film 23 a to reach thedrain electrode DE of the TFT element Tr is formed at a position whichoverlaps the drain electrode DE when seen in a plan view. The drainelectrode DE is exposed on a bottom surface portion of the contact hole25. The pixel electrode 22 is formed on the insulating film 24 with theinclusion of the side surface portion and the bottom surface portion ofthe contact hole 25, and is electrically connected with the drainelectrode DE which is exposed on the bottom surface portion of thecontact hole 25.

Note that a slit-like aperture 26 may be formed in the pixel electrode22 formed within each sub-pixel SPix like the first embodiment.

Unlike the first embodiment, a driving electrode COML2 is formed in thesecond embodiment. The driving electrode COML2 is provided apart fromthe driving electrode COML1 in the display region Ad (see FIG. 7 or FIG.8) so as not to overlap any of the plurality of pixel electrodes 22 whenseen in a plan view. Accordingly, the driving electrode COML2 does notdrive the liquid crystal layer 6 (see FIG. 9) in each of the sub-pixelsSPix. On the other hand, to the driving electrode COML2, driving voltagefor touch panel detection is supplied, namely, driving signals formeasuring the electrostatic capacitance between the driving electrodeCOML2 and the detecting electrodes TDL and detecting input positions areinput, and therefore the driving electrode COML2 operates as a drivingelectrode of the touch panel.

The driving electrode COML2 extends in the X axis direction like thedriving electrode COML1. The driving electrode COML1 and the drivingelectrode COML2 are alternately arranged in, for example, the Y axisdirection.

As described above, the driving electrode COML2 is formed on theinsulating film 24 in a region which does not overlap the pixelelectrodes 22 when seen in a plan view. Therefore, the driving electrodeCOML2 sometimes overlaps the scanning lines GCL when seen in a planview. However, by forming the driving electrode COML2 on the insulatingfilm 24, the driving electrode COML2 can be formed above the drivingelectrode COML1.

In this manner, an interval GAP2 between the driving electrode COML2 andthe scanning lines GCL in a direction perpendicular to the surface ofthe TFT substrate 21 can be made larger than an interval GAP1 betweenthe driving electrode COML1 and the scanning lines GCL in the directionperpendicular to the surface of the TFT substrate 21. Therefore, evenwhen the driving electrode COML2 overlaps the scanning lines GCL whenseen in a plan view, it is possible to prevent or suppress the increaseof the electrostatic capacitance between the driving electrode COML2 andthe scanning lines GCL. Particularly, when compared with the case inwhich a part of the driving electrode COML1 overlaps the scanning linesGCL, it is possible to substantially reduce the electrostaticcapacitance between the driving electrode COML1 and the scanning linesGCL.

Note that driving signals may be input to the adjacent driving electrodeCOML1 and driving electrode COML2 at the same timing during the touchdetection period Pt. Accordingly, the adjacent driving electrode COML1and driving electrode COML2 may be electrically connected by, forexample, connecting an end portion of the driving electrode COML1 in theX axis direction with an end portion of the driving electrode COML2 inthe X axis direction through wiring or the like. Alternatively, theadjacent driving electrode COML1 and driving electrode COML2 need not tobe electrically connected, and driving signals may be input to thedriving electrode COML2 at a timing different from the timing at whichdriving signals are input to the driving electrode COML1.

In the second embodiment, each of the plurality of detecting electrodesTDL (see, for example, FIG. 20) intersects a plurality of drivingelectrodes COML1 and a plurality of driving electrodes COML2 which arealternately arranged in, for example, the Y axis direction when seen ina plan view. Further, each of the plurality of dummy electrodes TDDintersects the plurality of driving electrodes COML1 and the pluralityof driving electrodes COML2 which are alternately arranged in, forexample, the Y axis direction when seen in a plan view.

<Main Features and Effects of Present Embodiment>

Also in the present second embodiment, like the first embodiment and thefirst modified example of the first embodiment, the ratio of total sumof areas of portions of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix which overlapany of the plurality of detecting electrodes TDL and the plurality ofdummy electrodes TDD when seen in a plan view to total sum of areas ofthe plurality of sub-pixels SPix, namely, the area ratio R2 ispreferably 1 to 22%. Further, when the detecting electrodes TDL have azigzag shape, the area ratio R2 is more preferably 1 to 11%, and evenmore preferably 1.2 to 5%. On the other hand, when the detectingelectrodes TDL have a mesh-like shape, the area ratio R2 is morepreferably 2 to 22%, and even more preferably 2.5 to 11%.

Consequently, the same effects as those of the first embodiment and thefirst modified example of the first embodiment can be obtained, forexample, it is possible to achieve the transmittance in the displayregion Ad of 90% or more while preventing the detected values of thedetecting signals from being too small.

Further, also in the present second embodiment, like the firstembodiment and the first modified example of the first embodiment, theline width LW1 of the conductive lines ML is preferably 2 to 7 μm.Further, when the detecting electrodes TDL have a zigzag shape, the linewidth LW1 of the conductive lines ML is more preferably 2.5 to 4.5 μm.On the other hand, when the detecting electrodes TDL have a mesh-likeshape, the line width LW1 of the conductive lines ML is more preferably2.5 to 4.5 μm. Consequently, the same effects as those of the firstembodiment and the first modified example of the first embodiment can beobtained, for example, it is possible to reduce the resistance value ofthe conductive lines ML, and it is possible to improve the visibility ofthe image displayed in the display region Ad.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the driving electrodesCOML2 are provided apart from the driving electrodes COML1 in thedisplay region Ad. Further, the driving electrodes COML2 are formedwithin a region in which the light-shielding portions BM1 and thelight-shielding portions BM2 (see FIG. 27) are formed, namely, outsidethe sub-pixels SPix.

Here, in the case in which the driving electrodes COML2 are formed abovethe driving electrodes COML1, it is possible to substantially reduce theelectrostatic capacitance between the driving electrodes COML1 and thescanning lines GCL, when compared with the case in which no drivingelectrode COML2 is provided and a part of the driving electrodes COML1overlaps the scanning lines GCL.

Alternatively, in the case in which the driving electrodes COML1 and thedriving electrodes COML2 are electrically connected, it is possible toincrease the area of electrodes which operate as driving electrodes ofthe touch panel, when compared with the case in which no drivingelectrode COML2 is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to increase thedetected values of the detecting signals without degrading thevisibility of the image displayed in the display region Ad. Also, it ispossible to prevent or suppress the increase of the electrostaticcapacitance between the driving electrodes COML1 and the scanning linesGCL.

Note that, also in the present second embodiment, the plurality ofsub-pixels SPix need not to be arranged in a matrix form, but may bearranged in a linear form like the first embodiment. In such a case, thepixel electrodes 22 are respectively provided in each of the pluralityof sub-pixels SPix arranged in a linear form and only one drivingelectrode COML1 and one driving electrode COML2 are provided so as tooverlap the plurality of pixel electrodes 22 when seen in a plan view.Also, the plurality of detecting electrodes TDL are provided atintervals so as to respectively overlap the driving electrode COML1 andthe driving electrode COML2 when seen in a plan view. Then, based on theelectrostatic capacitance of the one driving electrode COML2 and each ofthe plurality of detecting electrodes TDL, input positions in thearrangement direction of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix arranged in alinear form are detected.

Also in such a case, by satisfying the preferable range for the arearatio R2 or the preferable range for the line width LW1 described in thefirst embodiment, the detected values of the detecting signals can beincreased without degrading the visibility of the image displayed in thedisplay region Ad. Also, in a display device provided with an inputdevice, the transmittance of the display region with respect to visiblelight can be improved and the detection performance of the input devicecan be improved.

Third Embodiment

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the example in whichthe display device provided with a touch panel serving as an inputdevice is applied to an in-cell liquid crystal display device with atouch detection function has been described. Meanwhile, in the thirdembodiment, the example in which the display device provided with atouch panel serving as an input device is applied to an on-cell liquidcrystal display device with a touch detection function will bedescribed. Note that an on-cell liquid crystal display device with atouch detection function indicates a liquid crystal display device witha touch detection function in which neither the driving electrodes northe detecting electrodes included in the touch panel are incorporated inthe liquid crystal display device.

Note that the display device of the third embodiment can be applied toon-cell display devices in which an input device is provided for variousdisplay devices such as an organic EL display device as well as a liquidcrystal display device.

<Display Device with Touch Detection Function>

FIG. 33 is a sectional view showing a display device with a touchdetection function in the display device of the third embodiment.

In the display device according to the third embodiment, respectivecomponents other than the sectional structure of the opposing substrateand the touch panel substrate, for example, the shape and arrangement ofthe detecting electrodes TDL and the dummy electrodes TDD seen in a planview are similar to the respective components of the display device ofthe first embodiment and the first modified example of the firstembodiment other than the sectional structure of the opposing substrate.Therefore, the descriptions thereof will be omitted. Accordingly, partswhich differ from those described in the first embodiment with referenceto FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 will be mainly described with reference to FIG.33.

The display device 10 with a touch detection function includes the pixelsubstrate 2, the opposing substrate 3 and the liquid crystal layer 6.The opposing substrate 3 is disposed so that a front surface serving asa main surface of the pixel substrate 2 and a rear surface serving as amain surface of the opposing substrate 3 oppose each other. The liquidcrystal layer 6 is provided between the pixel substrate 2 and theopposing substrate 3.

In the third embodiment, the pixel substrate 2 includes drivingelectrodes COML3 instead of the plurality of driving electrodes COML inthe first embodiment. The driving electrodes 3 operate as drivingelectrodes for the liquid crystal display device 20 (see FIG. 1), but donot operate as driving electrodes for the touch detection device 30 (seeFIG. 1). Accordingly, unlike the first embodiment, a plurality ofdriving electrodes COML3 need not to be provided, and it is alsopossible to provide one driving electrode COML3 obtained by, forexample, coupling and integrating the driving electrodes COML of thefirst embodiment.

Since parts of the pixel substrate 2 and the liquid crystal layer 6 ofthe display device of the third embodiment other than the drivingelectrodes COML3 are similar to respective parts of the pixel substrate2 and the liquid crystal layer 6 of the display device of the firstembodiment, the descriptions thereof will be omitted. A circuit diagramcorresponding to the plurality of pixels of the display device of thethird embodiment is similar to the circuit diagram corresponding to theplurality of pixels of the display device of the first embodiment shownin FIG. 10 except for the point that the driving electrodes COML3 areprovided instead of the driving electrodes COML. Therefore, thedescriptions of the parts of the display device of the third embodimentwhich are similar to the parts described with reference to FIG. 10 inthe first embodiment will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, the opposing substrate 3 includes a glasssubstrate 31, a color filter 32, and a polarizing plate 35. The colorfilter 32 is formed on a rear surface serving as one main surface of theglass substrate 31. The polarizing plate 35 is formed on a front surfaceserving as the other main surface of the glass substrate 31.

In the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a touch panelsubstrate 7 is provided on the side opposite to the pixel substrate 2with the opposing substrate 3 being interposed therebetween. Morespecifically, unlike the first embodiment, the display device 10 with atouch detection function of the third embodiment is a display device inwhich the touch detection device 30 (see FIG. 1) is attached on theliquid crystal display device 20 (see FIG. 1).

The touch panel substrate 7 includes a glass substrate 71, a pluralityof driving electrodes COML4 and a plurality of detecting electrodes TDL.The plurality of driving electrodes COML4 are driving electrodes of thetouch detection device 30 and are formed on a rear surface serving asone main surface of the glass substrate 71. The plurality of detectingelectrodes TDL are detecting electrodes of the touch detection device 30and are formed on the front surface serving as the other main surface ofthe glass substrate 71.

The shape and arrangement of the driving electrodes COML3 seen in a planview can be the same as the shape and arrangement of the drivingelectrodes COML of the first embodiment seen in a plan view. Further,the shape and arrangement of the driving electrodes COML4 seen in a planview can be the same as the shape and arrangement of the drivingelectrodes COML of the first embodiment seen in a plan view.

Note that the dummy electrodes TDD (see, for example, FIG. 20) may beformed on the front surface serving as the other main surface of theglass substrate 71. The shape and arrangement of the dummy electrodesTDD seen in a plan view can be the same as the shape and arrangement ofthe dummy electrodes TDD of the first embodiment seen in a plan view.

In the third embodiment, the driving electrodes COML3 operate as drivingelectrodes of the liquid crystal display device 20, but do not operateas driving electrodes of the touch detection device 30. The drivingelectrodes COML4 operate as driving electrodes of the touch detectiondevice 30, but do not operate as driving electrodes of the liquidcrystal display device 20. Therefore, it is not necessary to separatethe display period in which display operations are performed by thedriving electrodes COML3 and the touch detection period in which touchdetection operations are performed by the driving electrodes COML4 sothat the driving signals Vcom are applied only during the touchdetection period. In other words, it is possible to independentlyperform the display operations by the driving electrodes COML3 and thetouch detection operations by the driving electrodes COML4 in parallelto each other.

Note that the driving electrodes COML4 may be electrically connectedwith the driving electrodes COML3 and need not to be electricallyconnected with the driving electrodes COML3. However, when the drivingelectrodes COML4 are electrically connected with the driving electrodesCOML3, it is necessary to separate the display period in which displayoperations are performed by the driving electrodes COML3 and the touchdetection period in which touch detection operations are performed bythe driving electrodes COML4.

In the present third embodiment, like the first embodiment, each of theplurality of detecting electrodes TDL intersects the plurality ofdriving electrodes COML4 when seen in a plan view. Further, in thepresent third embodiment, like the first embodiment, each of theplurality of dummy electrodes TDD (see, for example, FIG. 20) intersectsthe plurality of driving electrodes COML4 when seen in a plan view.

<Main Features and Effects of Present Embodiment>

Also in the present third embodiment, like the first embodiment and thefirst modified example of the first embodiment, the ratio of total sumof areas of portions of the plurality of sub-pixels SPix which overlapany of the plurality of detecting electrodes TDL and the plurality ofdummy electrodes TDD when seen in a plan view to total sum of areas ofthe plurality of sub-pixels SPix, namely, the area ratio R2 ispreferably 1 to 22%. Further, when the detecting electrodes TDL have azigzag shape, the area ratio R2 is more preferably 1 to 11%, and evenmore preferably 1.2 to 5%. On the other hand, when the detectingelectrodes TDL have a mesh-like shape, the area ratio R2 is morepreferably 2 to 22%, and even more preferably 2.5 to 11%.

Consequently, the same effects as those of the first embodiment and thefirst modified example of the first embodiment can be obtained, forexample, it is possible to achieve the transmittance in the displayregion Ad of 90% or more while preventing the detected values of thedetecting signals from being too small.

Further, also in the present third embodiment, like the first embodimentand the first modified example of the first embodiment, the line widthLW1 of the conductive lines ML is preferably 2 to 7 μm. Further, whenthe detecting electrodes TDL have a zigzag shape, the line width LW1 ofthe conductive lines ML is more preferably 2.5 to 4.5 μm. On the otherhand, when the detecting electrodes TDL have a mesh-like shape, the linewidth LW1 of the conductive lines ML is more preferably 2.5 to 4.5 μm.Consequently, the same effects as those of the first embodiment and thefirst modified example of the first embodiment can be obtained, forexample, it is possible to reduce the resistance value of the conductivelines ML, and it is possible to improve the visibility of the imagedisplayed in the display region Ad.

Moreover, in the present third embodiment, the touch panel serving asthe input device is provided on an on-cell display device. Consequently,since it is not necessary to separate the display period in whichdisplay operations are performed by the driving electrodes COML3 and thetouch detection period in which touch detection operations are performedby the driving electrodes COML4, the detection performance of touchdetection can be improved, for example, the detection speed of touchdetection can be apparently improved.

Fourth Embodiment Self-Capacitance Touch Detection Function

In the first embodiment, an example in which a mutual-capacitance touchpanel provided with common electrodes operating as driving electrodesand detecting electrodes is applied as the touch panel provided in thedisplay device has been described. However, a self-capacitance touchpanel in which only detecting electrodes are provided may be applied asthe touch panel provided in the display device.

FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 are explanatory diagrams showing electricallyconnected states of the detecting electrodes of a self-capacitancemethod.

In a self-capacitance touch panel, as shown in FIG. 34, when thedetecting electrode TDL having an electrostatic capacitance Cx is cutoff from a detection circuit SC1 having an electrostatic capacitance Crland is electrically connected with a power source Vdd, a charge quantityQ1 is accumulated in the detecting electrode TDL having theelectrostatic capacitance Cx. Next, as shown in FIG. 35, when thedetecting electrode TDL having the electrostatic capacitance Cx is cutoff from the power source Vdd and is electrically connected with thedetecting circuit SC1 having the electrostatic capacitance Crl, a chargequantity Q2 flowing out to the detection circuit SC1 is detected.

Here, when a finger has contacted or approached the detecting electrodeTDL, the electrostatic capacitance Cx of the detecting electrode TDLchanges due to the capacitance of the finger, and when the detectingelectrode TDL is connected with the detection circuit SC1, the chargequantity Q2 flowing out to the detection circuit SC1 also changes.Accordingly, by measuring the flowing-out charge quantity Q2 by thedetection circuit SC1 and detecting the change in the electrostaticcapacitance Cx of the detecting electrode TDL, whether or not a fingerhas contacted or approached the detecting electrode TDL can bedetermined.

For example, the case in which the display device according to thepresent fourth embodiment is the display device in which the displaydevice of the first embodiment or the first modified example of thefirst embodiment is applied to a self-capacitance display device with atouch detection function will be considered. At this time, the displaydevice includes, in addition to a plurality of detecting electrodes TDLwhich extend in the Y axis direction (see FIG. 7) and are arranged atintervals in the X axis direction (see FIG. 7), a plurality of detectingelectrodes TDL which extend in the X axis direction and are arranged atintervals in the Y axis direction. Also in such a case, by detectingchanges in electrostatic capacitance Cx of each of the plurality ofdetecting electrodes TDL extending in the Y axis direction and changesin electrostatic capacitance Cx of each of the plurality of detectingelectrodes TDL extending in the X axis direction, the input positionscan be detected in a two-dimensional manner. At this time, the drivingelectrodes COML (see FIG. 7) operate as driving electrodes of the liquidcrystal display device 20 (see FIG. 1), but do not operate as drivingelectrodes of the touch detection device 30 (see FIG. 1).

Further, also in this case, the same effects as those of the firstembodiment and the first modified example of the first embodiment can beobtained, for example, it is possible to achieve the transmittance inthe display region Ad of 90% or more while preventing the detectedvalues of the detecting signals from being too small.

Alternatively, the display device according to the present fourthembodiment may be the display device in which the display device of thethird embodiment is applied to a self-capacitance display device with atouch detection function. Also in such a case, the same effects as thoseof the first embodiment and the first modified example of the firstembodiment can be obtained, for example, it is possible to achieve thetransmittance in the display region Ad of 90% or more while preventingthe detected values of the detecting signals from being too small.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, electronic devices as application examples of the display devicesdescribed in the first embodiment, the first modified example of thefirst embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment and thefourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 36 to FIG.42. The display devices of each of the first embodiment, the firstmodified example of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, thethird embodiment and the fourth embodiment are applicable to electronicdevices of all kinds of fields such as television apparatus, digitalcameras, notebook PCs, portable terminal devices such as mobile phonesand video cameras. In other words, the display devices of the firstembodiment, the first modified example of the first embodiment, thesecond embodiment, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment can beapplied to electronic devices of all kinds of fields which display videosignals input from outside or generated inside as images or videopictures.

<Television Apparatus>

FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of atelevision apparatus as one example of an electronic device of the fifthembodiment. This television apparatus includes, for example, a videodisplay screen unit 513 including a front panel 511 and a filter glass512, and the video display screen unit 513 is made up of the in-celldisplay device with a touch detection function or the on-cell displaydevice with a touch detection function described in the firstembodiment, the first modified example of the first embodiment, thesecond embodiment, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment.

<Digital Camera>

FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of adigital camera as one example of an electronic device of the fifthembodiment. The digital camera includes, for example, a display unit522, a menu switch 523 and a shutter button 524, and the display unit522 is made up of the in-cell display device with a touch detectionfunction or the on-cell display device with a touch detection functiondescribed in the first embodiment, the first modified example of thefirst embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment and thefourth embodiment.

<Notebook PC>

FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of anotebook PC as one example of an electronic device of the fifthembodiment. The notebook PC includes, for example, a main body 531, akeyboard 532 for input operations of characters or the like, and adisplay unit 533 for displaying images, and the display unit 533 is madeup of the in-cell display device with a touch detection function or theon-cell display device with a touch detection function described in thefirst embodiment, the first modified example of the first embodiment,the second embodiment, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment.

<Video Camera>

FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a videocamera as one example of an electronic device of the fifth embodiment.The video camera includes, for example, a main body portion 541, a lens542 for shooting objects provided on a front surface of the main bodyportion 541, a start/stop switch 543 for shooting and a display unit544, and the display unit 544 is made up of the in-cell display devicewith a touch detection function or the on-cell display device with atouch detection function described in the first embodiment, the firstmodified example of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, thethird embodiment and the fourth embodiment.

<Mobile Phone>

FIG. 40 and FIG. 41 are front views showing an external appearance of amobile phone as one example of an electronic device of the fifthembodiment. FIG. 41 shows a state in which the mobile phone shown inFIG. 40 is folded. The mobile phone is composed of, for example, anupper housing 551 and a lower housing 552 coupled by a coupling portion(hinge portion) 553 and includes a display 554, a sub-display 555, apicture light 556 and a camera 557, and the display 554 or thesub-display 555 is made up of the display device with a touch detectionfunction described in the first embodiment, the first modified exampleof the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment andthe fourth embodiment.

<Smartphone>

FIG. 42 is a front view showing an external appearance of a smartphoneas one example of an electronic device of the fifth embodiment. Themobile phone includes, for example, a housing 561 and a touch screen562. The touch screen 562 includes, for example, a touch panel servingas an input device and a liquid crystal panel serving as a display unit,and is made up of the in-cell display device with a touch detectionfunction or the on-cell display device with a touch detection functiondescribed in the first embodiment, the first modified example of thefirst embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment and thefourth embodiment.

The touch panel of the touch screen 562 is, for example, the touchdetection device 30 provided in the display device 10 with a touchdetection function of the display device 1 described with reference toFIG. 1. When a user makes gesture operations such as a touch operationor a drag operation on the touch panel with a finger or a touch pen, thetouch panel of the touch screen 562 detects coordinates of the positionscorresponding to the gesture operations and outputs them to a controlunit (not shown).

The liquid crystal panel of the touch screen 562 is, for example, theliquid crystal display device 20 provided in the display device 10 witha touch detection function of the display device 1 described withreference to FIG. 1. Further, the liquid crystal panel of the touchscreen 562 made up of the display device 1 includes, for example, thedriving electrode driver 14 of the display device 1 described withreference to FIG. 1. The driving electrode driver 14 applies voltage asimage signals to the pixel electrodes 22 (see FIG. 9) provided in eachof the plurality of sub-pixels SPix (see FIG. 10) arranged in a matrixform at respectively constant timings, thereby displaying images.

<Main Features and Effects of Present Embodiment>

In the present fifth embodiment, the display devices of each of thefirst embodiment, the first modified example of the first embodiment,the second embodiment, the third embodiment and the fourth embodimentcan be used as the display devices provided in the above-describedvarious electronic devices. Consequently, in the display devicesprovided in the above-described various electronic devices, the sameeffects as those of the first embodiment, the first modified example ofthe first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment andthe fourth embodiment can be obtained, for example, the transmittance ofthe display region with respect to visible light can be improved and thedetection performance of the input device can be improved. Accordingly,it is possible to improve the performance of the above-described variouselectronic devices.

Also, as described in the first embodiment, the effects which the arearatio R2 or the line width LW1 or interval DS1 of the conductive linesML (see FIG. 18) exhibits on the transmittance, the visibility, thedetected values and the resistance values are more remarkable when thearrangement interval DP1 (see FIG. 20) of the plurality of sub-pixelsSPix in the X axis direction is 45 to 180 μm. Accordingly, when thedisplay device of each of the first embodiment, the first modifiedexample of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the thirdembodiment and the fourth embodiment is applied to electronic deviceshaving a relatively small arrangement interval of the sub-pixels SPixsuch as smartphones described in the fifth embodiment, the effectsexhibited on visibility when the conductive lines ML have the line widthin the above-described range become extremely large.

In the foregoing, the invention made by the inventors of the presentinvention has been concretely described based on the embodiments.However, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limitedto the foregoing embodiments and various modifications and alterationscan be made within the scope of the present invention.

Further, in the foregoing embodiments, the cases of a liquid crystaldisplay device have been illustrated as disclosure examples, but allkinds of flat-panel display devices such as an organic EL displaydevice, other self-luminous type display devices and electronic paperdisplay devices having electrophoresis elements may be listed as otherapplication examples. Further, it goes without saying that the presentinvention is applicable to small, medium and large sized devices withoutany particular limitation.

All of the display devices and electronic devices which can be embodiedby the design change made by a person with ordinary skill in the art onthe basis of the display devices and electronic devices described aboveas respective embodiments of the present invention also belong to thescope of the present invention as long as they include the effects ofthe present invention.

In the category of the idea of the present invention, a person withordinary skill in the art can conceive various modified examples andrevised examples, and such modified examples and revised examples arealso deemed to belong to the scope of the present invention.

For example, the examples obtained by appropriately making theadditions, deletions or design changes of components or the additions,deletions or condition changes of processes to respective embodimentsdescribed above by a person with ordinary skill in the art also belongto the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gistof the present invention.

Further, with respect to other actions and effects which are broughtabout by the aspects described in the above-described embodiments, thosewhich are apparent from the descriptions of the present specificationand those which can be properly conceived by a person with ordinaryskill in the art are deemed to be brought about by the present inventionas a matter of course.

The present invention includes at least the following embodiments.

APPENDIX 1

A display device including:

a substrate;

a plurality of pixels arranged in a first region on a first main surfaceside of the substrate;

a plurality of first electrodes each of which is provided in each of theplurality of pixels;

a second electrode provided so as to overlap the plurality of firstelectrodes when seen in a plan view;

a third electrode provided apart from the second electrode in the firstregion;

a plurality of fourth electrodes provided at intervals so as torespectively overlap the third electrode when seen in a plan view; and

a fifth electrode provided apart from any of the plurality of fourthelectrodes in the first region,

wherein images are displayed by applying voltage between each of theplurality of first electrodes and the second electrode,

wherein input positions are detected based on electrostatic capacitancebetween the third electrode and each of the plurality of fourthelectrodes,

wherein each of the plurality of fourth electrodes includes a firstmetal layer or a first alloy layer,

wherein the fifth electrode includes a second metal layer or a secondalloy layer, and

wherein a ratio of total sum of areas of portions of the plurality ofpixels which overlap any of the plurality of fourth electrodes and thefifth electrode when seen in a plan view to total sum of areas of theplurality of pixels is 1 to 220.

APPENDIX 2

The display device according to Appendix 1,

wherein the plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix form in a firstdirection and a second direction which intersects the first direction inthe first region,

wherein each of the plurality of fourth electrodes has a firstconductive line including the first metal layer or the first alloylayer, and

wherein the first conductive line extends in a third direction as awhole while alternately bending in opposite directions when seen in aplan view.

APPENDIX 3

The display device according to Appendix 2,

wherein the ratio of total sum of areas of portions of the plurality ofpixels which overlap any of the plurality of fourth electrodes and thefifth electrode when seen in a plan view to total sum of areas of theplurality of pixels is 1 to 11%.

APPENDIX 4

The display device according to Appendix 1,

wherein the plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix form in a firstdirection and a second direction which intersects the first direction inthe first region,

wherein each of the plurality of fourth electrodes has a plurality offirst conductive lines,

wherein each of the plurality of first conductive lines includes thefirst metal layer or the first alloy layer and extends in a thirddirection as a whole while alternately bending in opposite directionswhen seen in a plan view, and

wherein portions of adjacent first conductive lines which are bent inmutually opposite directions are coupled with each other.

APPENDIX 5

The display device according to Appendix 4,

wherein the ratio of total sum of areas of portions of the plurality ofpixels which overlap any of the plurality of fourth electrodes and thefifth electrode when seen in a plan view to total sum of areas of theplurality of pixels is 2 to 22%.

APPENDIX 6

The display device according to Appendix 1,

wherein the plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix form in a firstdirection and a second direction which intersects the first direction inthe first region,

wherein each of the plurality of fourth electrodes includes:

a plurality of first conductive lines which extend in a third directionand are arranged in a fourth direction which intersects the thirddirection; and

a plurality of second conductive lines which respectively extend in afifth direction which intersects both of the third direction and thefourth direction and are arranged in the fourth direction,

wherein each of the plurality of first conductive lines includes thefirst metal layer or the first alloy layer,

wherein each of the plurality of second conductive lines includes athird metal layer or a third alloy layer,

wherein the plurality of first conductive lines and the plurality ofsecond conductive lines intersect each other, and

wherein each of the plurality of fourth electrodes has a mesh-like shapeformed by the plurality of first conductive lines and the plurality ofsecond conductive lines which intersect each other.

APPENDIX 7

The display device according to Appendix 6,

wherein the ratio of total sum of areas of portions of the plurality ofpixels which overlap any of the plurality of fourth electrodes and thefifth electrode when seen in a plan view to total sum of areas of theplurality of pixels is 2 to 22%.

APPENDIX 8

A display device including:

a substrate;

a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix form in a first direction anda second direction which intersects the first direction in a firstregion on a first main surface side of the substrate;

a plurality of first electrodes each of which is provided in each of theplurality of pixels;

a second electrode provided so as to overlap the plurality of firstelectrodes when seen in a plan view;

a third electrode provided apart from the second electrode in the firstregion; and

a plurality of fourth electrodes provided at intervals so as torespectively overlap the third electrode when seen in a plan view,

wherein images are displayed by applying voltage between each of theplurality of first electrodes and the second electrode,

wherein input positions are detected based on electrostatic capacitancebetween the third electrode and each of the plurality of fourthelectrodes,

wherein each of the plurality of fourth electrodes has a firstconductive line including a first metal layer or a first alloy layer,

wherein the first conductive line has a portion extending in a thirddirection which intersects both of the first direction and the seconddirection when seen in a plan view, and

wherein a width of the first conductive line is 2 to 7 μm.

APPENDIX 9

The display device according to Appendix 8,

wherein the first conductive line extends in a fourth direction as awhole while alternately bending in opposite directions when seen in aplan view.

APPENDIX 10

The display device according to Appendix 9,

wherein a width of the first conductive line is 2.5 to 4.5 μm.

APPENDIX 11

The display device according to Appendix 8,

wherein each of the plurality of fourth electrodes includes a pluralityof the first conductive lines,

wherein each of the plurality of first conductive lines extends in afourth direction as a whole while alternately bending in oppositedirections when seen in a plan view, and

wherein portions of adjacent first conductive lines which are bent inmutually opposite directions are coupled with each other.

APPENDIX 12

The display device according to Appendix 11,

wherein a width of each of the plurality of first conductive lines is2.5 to 4.5 μm.

APPENDIX 13

The display device according to Appendix 8,

wherein each of the plurality of fourth electrodes includes:

the plurality of first conductive lines which extend in the thirddirection and are arranged in a fourth direction which intersects thethird direction; and

a plurality of second conductive lines which extend in a fifth directionwhich intersects both of the third direction and the fourth directionand are arranged in the fourth direction,

wherein each of the plurality of second conductive lines includes asecond metal layer or a second alloy layer,

wherein the plurality of first conductive lines and the plurality ofsecond conductive lines intersect each other, and

wherein each of the plurality of fourth electrodes has a mesh-like shapeformed by the plurality of first conductive lines and the plurality ofsecond conductive lines which intersect each other.

APPENDIX 14

The display device according to Appendix 13,

wherein a width of each of the plurality of first conductive lines andthe plurality of second conductive lines is 2.5 to 4.5 μm.

APPENDIX 15

A display device including:

a substrate;

a plurality of pixels arranged in a first region on a first main surfaceside of the substrate;

a plurality of first electrodes each of which is provided in each of theplurality of pixels;

a second electrode provided so as to overlap the plurality of firstelectrodes when seen in a plan view;

a third electrode provided apart from the second electrode in the firstregion; and

a plurality of fourth electrodes provided so as to respectively overlapthe third electrode when seen in a plan view,

wherein images are displayed by applying voltage between each of theplurality of first electrodes and the second electrode,

wherein input positions are detected based on electrostatic capacitancebetween the third electrode and each of the plurality of fourthelectrodes,

wherein each of the plurality of fourth electrodes includes a firstmetal layer or a first alloy layer, and

wherein a ratio of total sum of areas of portions of the plurality ofpixels which overlap any of the plurality of fourth electrodes when seenin a plan view to total sum of areas of the plurality of pixels is 1 to22%.

APPENDIX 16

The display device according to Appendix 1, Appendix 8 or Appendix 15,

wherein each of the plurality of fourth electrodes has light-shieldingproperties with respect to visible light.

APPENDIX 17

The display device according to Appendix 1, Appendix 8 or Appendix 15,

wherein the first electrodes are pixel electrodes,

wherein the second electrode is a common electrode,

wherein the fourth electrodes are detecting electrodes to whichdetecting signals for detecting the input positions are output, and

wherein driving signals for measuring the electrostatic capacitancebetween the third electrode and the detecting electrodes are input tothe third electrode.

APPENDIX 18

The display device according to Appendix 2 or Appendix 8,

wherein an arrangement interval of the plurality of pixels in the firstdirection is smaller than an arrangement interval of the plurality ofpixels in the second direction, and

wherein the arrangement interval of the plurality of pixels in the firstdirection is 45 to 180 μm.

APPENDIX 19

The display device according to Appendix 8,

wherein an arrangement interval of the plurality of pixels in the firstdirection is smaller than an arrangement interval of the plurality ofpixels in the second direction,

wherein the arrangement interval of the plurality of pixels in the firstdirection is 45 to 180 μm, and

wherein an interval of adjacent first conductive lines is 50 to 200 μm.

APPENDIX 20

The display device according to Appendix 1, Appendix 8 or Appendix 15,

wherein a low reflection layer having a lower reflectance with respectto visible light than a reflectance of the fourth electrodes withrespect to visible light is formed on a surface of the fourth electrodesor on the fourth electrodes.

APPENDIX 21

The display device according to Appendix 1,

wherein the third electrode is provided in the first region so as not tooverlap any of the plurality of first electrodes when seen in a planview.

APPENDIX 22

The display device according to Appendix 21,

wherein the third electrode is electrically connected with the secondelectrode, and

wherein the plurality of fourth electrodes are provided so as to overlapthe second electrode when seen in a plan view.

APPENDIX 23

The display device according to Appendix 1,

wherein the plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix form in a firstdirection and a second direction which intersects the first directionwhen seen in a plan view,

wherein the third electrode includes a plurality of sixth electrodeswhich extend in the first direction and are arranged in the seconddirection when seen in a plan view,

wherein each of the plurality of fourth electrodes has a firstconductive line including the first metal layer or the first alloylayer,

wherein the first conductive line includes:

a plurality of first extending portions each of which extends whileinclining to a first side in a fourth direction, which intersects athird direction, with respect to the third direction when seen in a planview; and

a plurality of second extending portions each of which extends whileinclining to a side opposite to the first side in the fourth directionwith respect to the third direction when seen in a plan view,

wherein the first extending portions and the second extending portionsare alternately arranged in the third direction,

wherein end portions of the first extending portions and the secondextending portions which are adjacent to each other in the thirddirection are coupled, and

wherein the fifth electrode includes:

a plurality of third extending portions each of which extends whileinclining to the first side in the fourth direction with respect to thethird direction when seen in a plan view; and

a plurality of fourth extending portions each of which extends whileinclining to the side opposite to the first side in the fourth directionwith respect to the third direction when seen in a plan view.

APPENDIX 24

The display device according to Appendix 1,

wherein the plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix form in a firstdirection and a second direction which intersects the first directionwhen seen in a plan view,

wherein the third electrode includes a plurality of sixth electrodeswhich extend in the first direction and are arranged in the seconddirection when seen in a plan view,

wherein each of the plurality of fourth electrodes includes:

a first conductive line including the first metal layer or the firstalloy layer; and

a second conductive line including a third metal layer or a third alloylayer,

wherein the first conductive line includes:

a plurality of first bent portions each of which bends in a directionwhich is inclined to a first side in a fourth direction, whichintersects a third direction, with respect to the third direction whenseen in a plan view; and

a plurality of second bent portions each of which bends in a directionwhich is inclined to a side opposite to the first side in the fourthdirection with respect to the third direction when seen in a plan view,

wherein the second conductive line includes:

a plurality of third bent portions each of which bends in a directionwhich is inclined to the side opposite to the first side in the fourthdirection with respect to the third direction when seen in a plan view;and

a plurality of fourth bent portions each of which bends in a directionwhich is inclined to the first side in the fourth direction with respectto the third direction when seen in a plan view,

wherein the first bent portions and the second bent portions arealternately arranged in the third direction,

wherein the third bent portions and the fourth bent portions arealternately arranged in the third direction,

wherein each of the plurality of third bent portions of the secondconductive line is coupled to each of the plurality of first bentportions of the first conductive line, and

wherein the fifth electrode includes:

a plurality of first extending portions each of which extends whileinclining to the first side in the fourth direction with respect to thethird direction when seen in a plan view; and

a plurality of second extending portions each of which extends whileinclining to the side opposite to the first side in the fourth directionwith respect to the third direction when seen in a plan view.

APPENDIX 25

An electronic device provided with the display device according toAppendix 1, Appendix 8 or Appendix 15.

The present invention is effective when applied to a display device.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device, comprising: a substrate; aplurality of pixels arranged in a first region on a first main surfaceside of the substrate; light-shielding portions surrounding theplurality of pixels so as to demarcate each of the plurality of pixelsin the first region; a plurality of first electrodes each of which isprovided in each of the plurality of pixels; a second electrode providedso as to overlap the plurality of first electrodes when seen in a planview; a plurality of third electrodes provided at intervals so as torespectively overlap the second electrode when seen in a plan view; anda fourth electrode provided apart from any of the plurality of thirdelectrodes in the first region, wherein images are displayed by applyingvoltage between each of the plurality of first electrodes and the secondelectrode, wherein input positions are detected based on electrostaticcapacitance between the second electrode and each of the plurality ofthird electrodes, wherein each of the plurality of third electrodesincludes a first metal layer or a first alloy layer, wherein the fourthelectrode includes a second metal layer or a second alloy layer, whereina ratio of total sum of areas of portions of the plurality of pixelswhich overlap any of the plurality of third electrodes and the fourthelectrode when seen in a plan view to a total sum of areas of theplurality of pixels is 1 to 22%, and wherein an area of a respective oneof the pixels does not include an area of the light-shielding portiondemarcating the respective one of the pixels.
 2. The display deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pixels are arranged in amatrix form in a first direction and a second direction which intersectsthe first direction in the first region, wherein each of the pluralityof third electrodes has a first conductive line including the firstmetal layer or the first alloy layer, and wherein the first conductiveline extends in a third direction as a whole while alternately bendingin opposite directions when seen in a plan view.
 3. The display deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the ratio of total sum of areas ofportions of the plurality of pixels which overlap any of the pluralityof third electrodes and the fourth electrode when seen in a plan view tototal sum of areas of the plurality of pixels is 1 to 11%.
 4. Thedisplay device according to claim 2, wherein an arrangement interval ofthe plurality of pixels in the first direction is smaller than anarrangement interval of the plurality of pixels in the second direction,and wherein the arrangement interval of the plurality of pixels in thefirst direction is 45 to 180 μm.
 5. The display device according toclaim 1, wherein the plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix formin a first direction and a second direction which intersects the firstdirection in the first region, wherein each of the plurality of thirdelectrodes includes a plurality of first conductive lines, wherein eachof the plurality of first conductive lines includes the first metallayer or the first alloy layer and extends in a third direction as awhole while alternately bending in opposite directions when seen in aplan view, and wherein portions of adjacent first conductive lines whichare bent in mutually opposite directions are coupled with each other. 6.The display device according to claim 5, wherein the ratio of total sumof areas of portions of the plurality of pixels which overlap any of theplurality of third electrodes and the fourth electrode when seen in aplan view to total sum of areas of the plurality of pixels is 2 to 22%.7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality ofpixels are arranged in a matrix form in a first direction and a seconddirection which intersects the first direction in the first region,wherein each of the plurality of third electrodes includes: a pluralityof first conductive lines which extend in a third direction and arearranged in a fourth direction which intersects the third direction; anda plurality of second conductive lines which respectively extend in afifth direction which intersects both of the third direction and thefourth direction and are arranged in the fourth direction, wherein eachof the plurality of first conductive lines includes the first metallayer or the first alloy layer, wherein each of the plurality of secondconductive lines includes a third metal layer or a third alloy layer,wherein the plurality of first conductive lines and the plurality ofsecond conductive lines intersect each other, and wherein each of theplurality of third electrodes has a mesh-like shape formed by theplurality of first conductive lines and the plurality of secondconductive lines which intersect each other.
 8. The display deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein the ratio of total sum of areas ofportions of the plurality of pixels which overlap any of the pluralityof third electrodes and the fourth electrode when seen in a plan view tototal sum of areas of the plurality of pixels is 2 to 22%.
 9. Thedisplay device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality ofthird electrodes has light-shielding properties with respect to visiblelight.
 10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the firstelectrodes are pixel electrodes, wherein the second electrode is acommon electrode, wherein the third electrodes are detecting electrodesto which detecting signals for detecting the input positions are output,and wherein driving signals for measuring the electrostatic capacitancebetween the common electrode and the detecting electrodes are input tothe common electrode.
 11. The display device according to claim 1,wherein a low reflection layer having a lower reflectance with respectto visible light than a reflectance of the third electrodes with respectto visible light is formed on a surface of the third electrodes or onthe third electrodes.
 12. A display device, comprising: a substrate; aplurality of pixels arranged in a matrix form in a first direction and asecond direction which intersects the first direction in a first regionon a first main surface side of the substrate; a plurality of firstelectrodes each of which is provided in each of the plurality of pixels;a second electrode provided so as to overlap the plurality of firstelectrodes when seen in a plan view; and a plurality of third electrodesprovided at intervals so as to respectively overlap the second electrodewhen seen in a plan view, wherein images are displayed by applyingvoltage between each of the plurality of first electrodes and the secondelectrode, wherein input positions are detected based on electrostaticcapacitance between the second electrode and each of the plurality ofthird electrodes, wherein each of the plurality of third electrodes hasa first conductive line including a first metal layer or a first alloylayer, wherein the first conductive line has a portion extending in athird direction which intersects both of the first direction and thesecond direction when seen in a plan view, wherein a width of the firstconductive line is 2 to 7 μm and the arrangement interval of theplurality of pixels in the first direction is 45 to 180 μm, and whereinan interval of adjacent first conductive lines is 50 to 200 μm.
 13. Thedisplay device according to claim 12, wherein a low reflection layerhaving a lower reflectance with respect to visible light than areflectance of the third electrodes with respect to visible light isformed on a surface of the third electrodes or on the third electrodes.14. A display device, comprising: a substrate; a plurality of pixelsarranged in a first region on a first main surface side of thesubstrate; light-shielding portions surrounding the plurality of pixelsso as to demarcate each of the plurality of pixels in the first region;a plurality of first electrodes each of which is provided in each of theplurality of pixels; a second electrode provided so as to overlap theplurality of first electrodes when seen in a plan view; and a pluralityof third electrodes provided so as to respectively overlap the secondelectrode when seen in a plan view, wherein images are displayed byapplying voltage between each of the plurality of first electrodes andthe second electrode, wherein input positions are detected based onelectrostatic capacitance between the second electrode and each of theplurality of third electrodes, wherein each of the plurality of thirdelectrodes includes a first metal layer or a first alloy layer, andwherein a ratio of total sum of areas of portions of the plurality ofpixels which overlap any of the plurality of third electrodes when seenin a plan view to total sum of areas of the plurality of pixels is 1 to22%, and wherein an area of a respective one of the pixels does notinclude an area of the light-shielding portion demarcating therespective one of the pixels.
 15. The display device according to claim14, wherein each of the plurality of third electrodes haslight-shielding properties with respect to visible light.
 16. Thedisplay device according to claim 14, wherein the first electrodes arepixel electrodes, wherein the second electrode is a common electrode,wherein the third electrodes are detecting electrodes to which detectingsignals for detecting the input positions are output, and whereindriving signals for measuring the electrostatic capacitance between thecommon electrode and the detecting electrodes are input to the commonelectrode.
 17. The display device according to claim 14, wherein a lowreflection layer having a lower reflectance with respect to visiblelight than a reflectance of the third electrodes with respect to visiblelight is formed on a surface of the third electrodes or on the thirdelectrodes.
 18. A display device, comprising: a substrate; a pluralityof pixels arranged in a first region on a first main surface side of thesubstrate; light-shielding portions surrounding the plurality of pixelsso as to demarcate each of the plurality of pixels in the first region;a plurality of first electrodes each of which is provided in each of theplurality of pixels; a second electrode provided so as to overlap theplurality of first electrodes when seen in a plan view; a plurality ofthird electrodes provided at intervals so as to respectively overlap thesecond electrode when seen in a plan view; and a fourth electrodeprovided apart from any of the plurality of third electrodes in thefirst region, wherein images are displayed by applying voltage betweeneach of the plurality of first electrodes and the second electrode,wherein input positions are detected based on electrostatic capacitanceof each of the plurality of third electrodes, wherein each of theplurality of third electrodes includes a first metal layer or a firstalloy layer, wherein the fourth electrode includes a second metal layeror a second alloy layer, and wherein a ratio of total sum of areas ofportions of the plurality of pixels which overlap any of the pluralityof third electrodes and the fourth electrode when seen in a plan view tototal sum of areas of the plurality of pixels is 1 to 22%, and whereinan area of a respective one of the pixels does not include an area ofthe light-shielding portion demarcating the respective one of thepixels.
 19. A display device, comprising: a substrate; a plurality ofpixels arranged in a first region on a first main surface side of thesubstrate; light-shielding portions surrounding the plurality of pixelsso as to demarcate each of the plurality of pixels in the first region;a plurality of first electrodes each of which is provided in each of theplurality of pixels; a second electrode provided so as to overlap theplurality of first electrodes when seen in a plan view; and a pluralityof third electrodes provided so as to respectively overlap the secondelectrode when seen in a plan view, wherein images are displayed byapplying voltage between each of the plurality of first electrodes andthe second electrode, wherein input positions are detected based onelectrostatic capacitance of each of the plurality of third electrodes,wherein each of the plurality of third electrodes includes a first metallayer or a first alloy layer, and wherein a ratio of total sum of areasof portions of the plurality of pixels which overlap any of theplurality of third electrodes when seen in a plan view to total sum ofareas of the plurality of pixels is 1 to 22%, and wherein an area of arespective one of the pixels does not include an area of thelight-shielding portion demarcating the respective one of the pixels.